What is IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome refers to a disorder relating to a tendon called the IT Band. The IT band is a very long and runs from the side of the pelvis down the outside of the leg to the knee. Multiple hip muscles attach to the IT band as stabilizers of the hip and knee. The tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus muscles are the most direct attachment to the IT band. The IT band is also very susceptible to problems when a patients has misalignments of the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints. If the pelvis is not in the correct position it changes the line of pull of the tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus; resulting in excessive muscle fatigue during activity. As these muscle get overworked and fatigue we lose hip and knee stability. Patients diagnosed with a meniscus tear of the knee are many times dealing with knee instability related conditions such as IT band Syndrome. When the knee instabilty is resolved many times the knee pain will go away.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain on the outside of leg from hip to knee
- Pain in the hip and gluteal area
- Pain in the low back
- Pain can extend from outside of the thigh down into the shin
- Pain in the knee
- Instability of the knee
Treatment?
The treatment of IT Band focuses on correcting pelvic misalignments and restoring muscles back to their normal state. Chiropractic Care is used to fix the structural issues causing pelvic misalignment. Massage Therapy is used to lengthen shortened muscles by myofascial release techniques and the overworked gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata are healed by deep tissue massage/trigger point therapy. We also implement home stretching techniques to aid in muscle lengthening. Many of our stretches we teach are yoga poses. The mainstay stretch for IT Band Syndrome is pigeon pose. Another very effective form of home care is using a foam roller to massage tight IT band.