Iliotibial Band Syndrome ITBS

(wikipedia)

Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia on the outside of the knee, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserting just below the knee. The band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running, as it moves from behind the femur to the front of the femur during activity. The continual rubbing of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed.

ITBS

Causes & Treatment

ITBS is typically an overuse injury, or it can be caused by trauma. Our office treats ITBS by eliminating adhesions and fibrosis of the ITB and the quadraceps in the front of the ITB and the hamstring in the back of the ITB. Also there are commonly adhesions below the patella, where the ITB inserts onto the tibia. We use Active Release Techniques, Graston, stretching, and ultimately a strength and stabilization program to rehab the hip, knee, and lateral as well as pelvic stabilizers.

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