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Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB) is a condition that commonly presents in runners and typically causes pain at the outer aspect of the knee where the iliotibial band (ITB) crosses the knee joint.

Treatment for Iliotibial band syndrome:
Most cases of Iliotibial band syndrome settle well with appropriate physiotherapy. This requires careful assessment to determine which factors have contributed to the development of the condition, with subsequent correction of these factors. The success rate of treatment is largely dictated by patient compliance.

The key components of treatment:
The patient rests sufficiently from ANY activity that increases their pain until they are symptom free. Activities which place large amounts of stress through the ITB should be minimised, including: running, squatting, jumping and going up or down stairs.
Exercising into pain must also be avoided. This allows the body to begin the healing process in the absence of further tissue damage. Once the patient can perform activities pain free, there can be a gradual return to activities. Once the condition is chronic, healing slows significantly, resulting in markedly increased recovery times.

Exercises:
Patients should perform pain-free flexibility and strengthening exercises as part of their rehabilitation to ensure an optimal outcome. One of the key components of rehabilitation is pain-free stretching of the ITB along with pain-free strengthening of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle (VMO). This is often in combination with core stability, pelvic and gluteal strengthening exercises to improve the control of the knee with weight-bearing activities.

Mike Christofis can advise which exercises are most appropriate for you and when they should be started. Call Manjimup Physiotherapy today.

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