Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Frequently misunderstood, IT band syndrome is often treated incorrectly - Jason Fitzgerald

image by: HWN
HWN Suggests
IT Band Syndrome: The Myth of the Tight IT Band
Here is what the current research says: the original theory of IT band syndrome is almost certainly wrong. The IT band does not meaningfully stretch. It does not become “tight” in the way muscles do. The friction mechanism — the idea that the IT band rubs back and forth over the lateral femoral epicondyle as the knee flexes and extends — has been largely rejected by anatomical and biomechanical researchers. And the management approach that follows from that wrong theory produces mediocre results. The good news: the correct understanding of IT band syndrome leads to a much more effective treatment approach. And it doesn’t involve spending 20 minutes torturing yourself with a foam roller.Featured
The Complete Guide to IT Band Syndrome
All your treatment options for Iliotibial Band Syndrome reviewed in great detail, with clear explanations of recent scientific research supporting every key point.
Articles of Interest
Iliotibial Band Syndrome- Around the Knee
Training modification, better shoe wear, and possible injections are some additional treatment options. A majority of patients will get better in about 4-8 weeks using conservative treatments. Surgery is the last resort.
IT Band Pain: Myth v Reality
The IT or iliotibial band is a long band of tissue that connects the hip to the knee. It’s made up of something called fascia, which helps stabilize the outside of the knee. Past studies have proposed that ITB pain is caused by the band rolling over the bone at its attachment near the knee, causing friction and inflammation. However, recent research challenges this and shows that the ITB is actually firmly attached to the bone and can’t slide back and forth over it.
IT Band Syndrome Myth Busting
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome can be anywhere from a mild annoyance to a debilitating pain in the side of the knee. The sports medicine community’s understanding of this issue has come a long way over the last 10 years, but some common misconceptions persist and some incorrect terminology still gets used.
Running into problems: iliotibial band friction syndrome
In the second of our series about common running injuries, physiotherapist Rebecca Christenson looks at iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS), what causes it and how to treat it.
The Management of Iliotibial Band Syndrome with a Multifaceted Approach: A Double Case Report
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) has commonly been thought of as an overuse injury in runners. The exact etiology of ITBS is not well understood and there is no consensus on how to properly manage it.
Why Your IT Band Isn’t Getting Better
The key factor needed to really get over IT band problems is changing how you move, and in particular how you move your pelvis and torso. For this you don’t necessarily need lengthy rehab and rest, you just need to learn how to do it, and that doesn’t have to take a long time. It’s quite possible and even common for runners who learn how to do the movements of the core to have their IT band problems go away in one day.

