Blog Post 2: What Is ITBand Syndrome?
Treating IT Band Syndrome: How Dr. Keirstyn Treats IT Band Syndrome in Runners and Other Endurance Athletes:
As a chiropractor who works with endurance athletes, I treat a lot of runners suffering from IT Band Syndrome (ITBS). Especially in these cold winter months where the ground can be slippery or uneven.
The good news is, with proper treatment, this condition is very manageable. In this post, I’ll explain how I approach treatment for ITBS, including identifying muscle imbalances and mechanical issues, and using techniques such as soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations, and adjustments to not only get you feeling better but preventing it from recurring!
Step 1: Assessing the Root Cause of the Problem
When a runner comes in with IT Band Syndrome, the first thing I do is a comprehensive assessment to determine the root cause of the issue. This includes a detailed history and physical exam. ITBS is often not just about tightness in the IT Band itself but the biomechanical issues that are contributing to the excessive tension and friction. These are important to address or else the condition can continue to reoccur.
Key areas I assess include:
Lower limb alignment: Poor alignment in the pelvis, hips, knees, or feet can place extra stress on the IT Band.
Muscle imbalances: Weak or tight glutes, quads, hip flexors, or tight hamstrings and calves, can alter the mechanics of running, leading to excessive strain on the IT Band.
Foot mechanics: Overpronation (flat feet) or supination (high arches) can influence how the IT Band functions and increase the risk of ITBS.
Gait Analysis: Foot strike, swing phase, and how your hips are moving through your run gait allow me to see how forces are moving through your body.
Step 2: Chiropractic Treatments for IT Band Syndrome
Once we’ve identified the underlying cause, I use a combination of chiropractic techniques to address both the muscle imbalances and mechanical issues.
Soft Tissue Therapy (e.g., Myofascial Release Therapy MRT):
I use multiple manual techniques like Myofascial Release Therapy to target tight spots in the IT Band and surrounding muscles. Common areas I work on are the glutes, tensor fascia lata (TFL), hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings. This helps to not only release the muscle but also fascial restrictions. It also helps to improve flexibility in the hip joint to reduce the strain that the IT Band has in it and is causing on the knee and hip joints.Joint Mobilizations:
The problem usually isn’t just soft tissue tension but also restricted joints in the lower back, hips, or knees. Joint mobilizations help restore normal range of motion and improve function, which can reduce the stress on the IT Band and promote healing.Spinal and Pelvic Adjustments:
Many runners develop ITBS due to misalignments in the spine or pelvis. By performing spinal and pelvic adjustments, I can correct these misalignments. This helps to restore proper biomechanics, which can help take the pressure off the IT Band and prevent future injury.Stretching and Strengthening: (The Prevention Piece!)
Once we’ve relieved the acute pain and tension, I help educate runners on which functional movement exercises will help to prevent the injury. These functional exercises aim to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the hip and knee, particularly the glutes, quadriceps, and hip abductors in order for your body to support you better during running.
Step 3: Providing Long-Term Solutions
The goal of chiropractic care is not just to treat the symptoms of ITBS, but to address the underlying issues and educate you to know more about your body so that you can stay injury-free in the future. This includes education on proper running mechanics, footwear recommendations, and a personalized prevention and recovery plan.
To learn more about how I can help you on your running journey, reach out to us today :) !
P: 905-288-7161
Email: admin@endurancetherapeutics.com
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