Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is when the iliotibial band, or IT band, becomes tight and rubs against the outside of your knee and gets sore and inflamed. The iliotibial band is a long, thick band of connective tissue that runs from the outside of your hip down to just below your knee. Its job is to help stabilise the knee during movement.
Iliotibial and Syndrome treatment is needed when this friction leads to irritation and inflammation, causing a tell-tale ache, burning sensation, or tenderness in the area. The pain typically worsens with repetitive knee bending, like you’d find in running, on long walks or with kneecap pain after cycling. You might also notice a clicking or snapping sensation, and in more severe cases, some localised warmth or redness.
While the pain is felt at the knee, the problem often originates elsewhere. The primary cause is, as the name suggests, overuse. This can be exacerbated by several factors:
- Training Errors: Pushing too hard, too soon, insufficient warm-ups, or using worn-out shoes can all contribute. Running on sloped or uneven surfaces is also a major risk factor.
- Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in your hip abductor muscles (the glutes) can cause abnormal tension on the IT band, pulling it out of alignment and leading to friction.
- Biomechanical Issues: Things like a slight difference in leg length or certain gait abnormalities can place added stress on the IT band.
The Root Cause: Why Does ITBS Happen?
ITBS responds well to structured, non-invasive therapy. This means that patients typically will recover well from some lifestyle changes and well-planned physiotherapy. Our goal at True Physio is not just to get you out of pain, but to prevent the issue from returning.
- Rest and Modification: The first step is to give the irritated tissue a break. We’ll advise on how to modify your activities to avoid aggravating the condition without necessarily stopping altogether.
- Targeted Physiotherapy: Our experienced physiotherapists will create a customised rehabilitation plan. This includes specific exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the IT band, particularly the glutes and hips, and stretches to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Hands-on Therapy: We use a range of manual therapy techniques, including myofascial release, to help loosen the IT band and surrounding muscles, providing immediate relief and improving mobility.
- Biomechanical Correction: We’ll conduct a thorough biomechanical analysis to identify any underlying issues with your gait or form. This might lead to recommendations for new footwear or custom orthotics to correct imbalances.
- Education: We believe in empowering our patients. We’ll teach you about proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and how to recognise the signs of overtraining to help you stay injury-free in the long run.
Start Your Long-Term Relief with True Physio?
When dealing with a persistent overuse injury, you need more than just generic advice. You need an expert who can get to the root of your specific problem.
At True Physio, we pride ourselves on providing evidence-based, specialised care. Our physiotherapists are highly skilled in diagnosing the exact cause of your ITBS. Our specialists treat the symptoms whilst also correcting the underlying mechanical faults to ensure a lasting recovery. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from the initial assessment to a safe return to your activity.
If you’re tired of being sidelined by pain, book your Iliotibial Band Syndrome treatment today, don’t ignore the pain. Get in touch with your local clinic and our team will be ready to help you get back to your peak performance, stronger and smarter than before.
Please note that we’re accredited with Aviva, Bupa, Vitality, and most major healthcare providers, so you can often use your health insurance to access treatment quickly and easily.
