IT Band Syndrome
Are you an athlete? Have you been experiencing pain and inflammation along the outside of your knee? This can be very uncomfortable to deal with. Sometimes this pain is due to a condition called “Iliotibial Band Syndrome.”
Choose PT states “Iliotibial band syndrome, or ITBS, is one of the most common overuse injuries of the leg, particularly in individuals involved in endurance sports. It accounts for up to 12% of running injuries and up to 24% of cycling injuries.”
The good news is that ITBS can be successfully treated through physical therapy at ProAction Physical Therapy and a change in everyday physical activity. To learn more about ITBS and treatment for the condition, call ProAction Physical Therapy in Lansdale, PA today.
What causes ITBS?
The iliotibial band, or IT band, is made of soft tissue. Healthline states “[the IT band] runs along the outside of your leg from the hip to the knee and shinbone. It helps to extend, abduct, and rotate your hip. It also helps to stabilize and move the side of your knee while protecting the outer thigh.”
ITBS is the result of excessive irritation of the lateral part of the knee, and it is often caused by low core strength and flexibility. It often occurs from overuse activities like running or biking.
Symptoms of ITBS
Symptoms of ITBS may vary depending on the severity of a person’s condition, however, there are a few that are commonly experienced. If you noticed any of these pain symptoms, seeking physical therapy may be your best option!
Common symptoms include:
- Sensation of stinging along the outside part of the knee
- Feeling as if your knee is snapping (the IT band) as your leg bends and straightens
- Swelling
- Hip pain and tightness
- Pain with physical activity, especially repetitive motions such as going up stairs or cycling.
How physical therapy can help
Physical therapists at ProAction Physical Therapy in Lansdale, PA help individuals with ITBS to decrease their levels of pain, restore and improve their movement, and return to their normal work activities and/or sports.
Your physical therapist may use a variety of diagnostic tests when conducting your initial consultation. They will also analyze how you move to find out what elements are contributing to your condition.
Be prepared for your walking/running gait and balance to be evaluated as well. Once your condition has been properly assessed, a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan will be created to help you recover from ITBS and prevent future injuries from happening.
This is especially true if you’re an athlete; they will teach you the proper ways to move your body so that you don’t end up right back in PT with the same kind of pain!
ProAction Physical Therapy’s physical therapists will also improve your range of motion and strength by utilizing manual therapy techniques, exercises, targeted stretches, and functional training.
