IT BAND SYNDROME | Performance Sport & Spine

One of the more prevalent running-related injuries is IT band syndrome. On the outside of the knee, there is pain and occasionally a snapping sensation. Rest makes it feel better, and running definitely makes it worse.

What is the IT band, then? A thick band of connective tissue that extends from the hip to the knee is called the IT band. Because of the pain it can cause, runners frequently demonize the term "IT band." It may surprise you to learn that the IT band has a purpose. It prevents your femur from bending and helps stabilize your leg and hip when you move! Yes, if it weren't for the IT band, your strongest bone would bend.

The band from IT is really hardy. Its strength has actually been compared to that of Kevlar, the substance found in bulletproof vests. Researchers have discovered that the IT band only lengthens by 0.2% when stretched to its maximum force. Our first instinct as runners is to foam roll or stretch anything that hurts. Our time would be better spent somewhere else with the IT band.

Overtraining is typically the cause of IT Band Syndrome. Injury is likely to happen when running volume (the number of miles) and/or intensity (the speed at which those miles are run) surpass the body's capacity. Furthermore, the IT band may experience pain due to overstress from weak hip muscles, overstepping, or imbalances around the foot or ankle.

Our Approach to IT Band Syndrome

Here at Performance Sport & Spine, corrective exercise, manual therapy, and chiropractic adjustments have helped many runners in Quincy who suffer from IT Band Syndrome. Every patient is treated individually because every person is different. Our general strategy for relieving IT band syndrome is outlined below.

Resolve training errors. You don't have to stop running just because something hurts. We'll determine the ideal training level to help you recover while maintaining your maximum level of fitness.
Take care of the foot and hip joints. According to research, chiropractic adjustments can help loosen up stiff hip and foot joints, which may lessen knee pain.
Relax the muscles surrounding the knee and hip. To ease tense, painful, and inflammatory muscles, we employ methods like massage, cupping, dry needling, and laser therapy.
Stretches and corrective exercise help the body regain its alignment and balance, which reduces pain and keeps it from coming back.

If you live in or around the Quincy area and are experiencing IT Band Syndrome or knee pain that doesn’t seem to get better, click here to work with our team and begin finding relief.