The IT band is a thick band of fascia that runs along the outside of the upper leg. It originates along the iliac crest at the top of the outer thigh and inserts at the outer knee, just below the joint line of the knee. This band is involved in lower extremity motion, provides postural stability and stabilizes the pelvis. It is made up of mostly strong, inelastic fibers which give it the strength it needs to perform its functions. It has very few elastic fibers which means while it can elongate and compress a small amount, it cannot be stretched like a muscle.

Common signs and symptoms of ITBS include:

• Sharp pain on the outside of the knee
• Pain that increases with slight bending of the knee such as right before the heel hits the ground when walking or running or while lowering down a step
• Tightness may be felt in the lateral hip
• A snapping may be felt on the outside of the knee if the band slips over the bony tubercle below it
• Swelling may be noticeable on the outer knee

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with ITB related issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR ITBS

Treatments for IT band syndrome will always be individualized to address an patient’s impairments but several physical therapy interventions have been shown to be helpful in the management of this condition:

Acute pain reduction: In order to allow the acute pain and inflammation that is often associated with ITBS to subside, a period of active rest or significant reduction in activity intensity is recommended. Your physical therapist will advise you on how much time you should be modifying or reducing activities as well as help you find activities that do not provoke symptoms to engage in in the meantime. Also, the use of pain-relieving modalities like ice, heat or taping may be utilized.

Range of motion and stretching: If restrictions in hip or knee range of motion or muscle length are noted during the exam, your therapist may prescribe stretching and mobility exercises to improve these factors.

Manual therapy: Addressing myofascial restrictions, trigger points and other restrictions in soft tissue may be important to address your symptoms. Your therapist may perform these interventions using their hands or may employ other tools like dry needling, foam rolling or IASTM.

Strengthening: If muscle weakness is thought to contribute to your ITBS, your therapist will prescribe a series of exercises to be performed in the home and in the clinic that can improve the strength, power and endurance of key muscles.

Functional training and restoration of activity: As underlying factors are addressed and symptoms subside, your therapist will incorporate more functional activities to ensure proper biomechanics, motor control and coordination when performing these activities. They will also educate you on how to return to your prior level of activity with an eye on prevention of ITBS in the future.

The symptoms of ITBS can surely be a pain but you should feel confident that the physical therapists at Evolve Physical Therapy know how to help. Call today to schedule an initial evaluation.