Iliotibial Band Syndrome Pain Relief with Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy in Vancouver

What is iliotibial band syndrome?

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (I.T. Band Syndrome) is a common injury primarily affecting runners, cyclists, hikers, and avid walkers. It is characterized by pain on the outside of the knee. The iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the shin. When the proper movement of the knee is impaired, the I.T. Band can rub against the outer part of the knee, leading to irritation and inflammation. Symptoms typically include pain that worsens with activity, swelling, sharp pain or extreme dull pain, and pain when bending the knee. Rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises targeting the hips and thighs are often recommended for managing and preventing ITBS. Our chiropractor and RMT at Omni Health and Wellness are geared towards helping you manage your knee pain!

iliotibial band knee pain in runners and cyclists

Chiropractic Treatment and IT Band Syndrome in Vancouver

After a thorough physical exam to confirm your IT band syndrome and potential causes, it is time to start treatment! Your Vancouver Chiropractor will treat tight muscles contributing to the pain. The gluteus maximus and tensor fascia latae muscles form the IT band and are often addressed in the treatment of I.T. band syndrome. The alignment of the lower limb such as limited ankle dorsiflexion, over pronation, tibial internal rotation, and genu valgus (buckling of the knee inward) are significant factors to be addressed in IT band syndrome. A combination of soft tissue therapy, cupping, joint mobilizations, and strengthening may be used to fix your iliotibial band syndrome.

Silicone cupping therapy on a person's knee and thigh
Vancouver massage therapist treating knee pain IT band pain using RMT techniques

Massage Therapy Treatment for IT Band Syndrome in Vancouver

Your Vancouver RMT will address the tight muscles related to the knee pain and mechanics of the lower limb. Common structures that are focused on are the quadricep muscles (especially vastus lateralis), the lateral hamstring muscles (biceps femoris), the fibularis group of muscles, gastrocnemius muscle, and the various muscles in the hip.

  • In many cases, it can! It depends on the cause of the pain. If you are an overpronator or have flat feet, it may be beneficial. Ask you chiropractor if custom orthotics are beneficial for you!

  • It is a common home remedy to foam roll your IT band. In our experience, it is more beneficial to roll out other tight muscles to address the cause IT band pain.

  • An x-ray is not necessary for determining if you have IT band syndrome. The standard diagnostic protocol is a thorough health history and physical exam to confirm IT Band syndrome