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We take the time needed for a thorough examination to find the underlying cause of your pain.
Airrosti Providers use hands-on manual therapy to treat your specific IT Band injury to reduce pain, increase mobility, and accelerate healing.
No surgery, injections, or prescription medication.
Patients have shorter recovery time with an average of 3.2 visits over 2 weeks.
Speed your recovery and keep your pain from returning.
Lakin also discusses common treatment options for this injury and how Airrosti’s approach differs. At Airrosti, we pinpoint the root of pain to treat it directly at the source. Read more about our injury resolution results here.
Still have questions or concerns about your IT Band pain? Schedule a no-cost video chat with one of our Providers.
The iliotibial band (IT band) is a band of fibrous connective tissue on the lateral aspect of the knee, running down the outside of the thigh. This band interacts with the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and hip flexors. Its primary function is to provide stability to the outer knee and hip during movement. It may overdevelop, tighten, and rub across the hip bone or the outer side of the knee. This condition is particularly common in those who participate in running, cycling, or other aerobic activities.
The IT band acts primarily as a stabilizer during running or other strenuous activity and may become irritated from overuse. The pain is typically felt on the outside of the knee or lower thigh, but it may also be felt near the hip. It is often more intense when descending stairs, or getting up from a seated position. Pain can be severe enough to completely sideline a runner for weeks or even longer.
IT Band Syndrome (or ITB Syndrome) — also known as iliotibial band friction syndrome — can result from any activity that causes the leg to turn inward repeatedly. This can include wearing worn-out shoes, running downhill or on banked surfaces, running too many track workouts in the same direction, or simply running long distances.
Unlike many overuse injuries, however, this condition afflicts seasoned runners almost as much as beginners. Muscle tightness or lack of flexibility in the buttock or thigh muscles may increase the risk of injury. ITBS is more common in women, possibly because some women’s hips tilt in a way that causes their knees to turn in.
Because the most notable symptom is typically swelling and pain on the outside of the knee, many runners mistakenly think they have a knee injury. The best way to tell if you have an IT band problem is to bend your knee at a 45-degree angle. If you do, you’ll feel pain on the outside of the knee.
As mentioned above, the main symptom is pain on the outer side of your knee, just above the knee joint. Early on, the pain might go away after you warm up. Over time though, you may notice it gets worse as you exercise.
• Aching, burning, or tenderness on the outside of your knee
• Tenderness that is frequently worse when in a standing position and when the knee is flexed to 30 degrees
• Feeling a click, pop, or snap on the outside of your knee
• Pain up and down your leg
• Warmth and redness on the outside of your knee
Surgery is rarely necessary for IT band syndrome. Most cases respond well to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, Airrosti care, stretching, and proper footwear adjustments. Surgery may only be considered in severe, chronic cases where conservative methods have failed and the condition is causing ongoing pain or dysfunction. A healthcare provider will assess the severity of the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Yes, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with IT band syndrome. In more persistent cases, your doctor might recommend stronger anti-inflammatory medications or even corticosteroid injections. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication, especially if you have other medical conditions.
Yes, self-care techniques and exercises are highly effective for managing IT band syndrome. Stretching the iliotibial band, foam rolling, and strengthening exercises for the hips and glutes can reduce tension and support healing. Exercises such as hip abductor strengthening, clamshells, and side leg raises can be helpful. Resting from activities that worsen the pain (like running or cycling) and using ice to reduce inflammation are also beneficial. Airrosti can provide a tailored program for recovery.
Yes, it is important to limit activities that aggravate the IT band, such as running, cycling, or repetitive bending of the knee, especially in the early stages of recovery. Rest and modifying activity levels are key to reducing inflammation and allowing the IT band to heal. Low-impact activities like swimming or walking on flat surfaces can help maintain fitness while avoiding further irritation. Gradually reintroducing activity under the guidance of a healthcare provider is important to prevent recurrence.
My daughter Kat came in for Airrosti because of pain in her knee. The pain was such that Kat was sidelined with her ballet career. A visit to her medical doctor resulted in the usual, “do nothing for a week, then go slow & come back if your knee is still bothering you.” Sounds like great advice unless you are training to become a professional ballerina, have a performance in 2 weeks, and are supposed to leave for an out-of-state training opportunity in 4 weeks, but can only go if you can perform at 100%. Dr. Jenay took the time to get to know Kat and how her knee pain was impacting her life. Dr. Jenay identified the problem within the first visit...Kat’s patella (knee cap) wasn’t tracking properly, due to a tight IT Band & a weak...+ show more muscle. Being a dancer, Kat is extremely flexible so Dr. Jenay had to consider what was a normal range of motion for Kat when assessing her current situation. By the end of the first visit, with proper manipulation, Kat’s range of motion was improved. She followed up with exercises for homework and 2 more visits over a 3 week span. 4 weeks after Kat’s first visit to Dr. Jenay, Kat is training at Milwaukee Ballet for the summer, pain free & with no limitations. Kat continues to do her exercises prescribed by Dr.Jenay. Dr. Jenay continued to follow up on Kat’s progress even after discharging her. She really took the time to listen & get to know Kat and her world of ballet. Without wonderfully trained Airrosti docs like Dr. Jenay Zelaya, Kat would not be living her dream today.
by Karen Umlang
We offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments to best suit your needs.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
