ON THE RUN

Absolutely discovers more about Iliotibial Band Syndrome and how Marlow Sports Therapy can help ease the symptoms

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse injury of the Iliotibial band with pain commonly felt on the outside of the knee. Pain is normally felt around the outer side of the knee or occasionally up the side of the thigh. It is aggravated with repeated bending and straightening of the knee whilst weight-bearing. ITBS is commonly seen in runners and cyclists, but can a ect anyone who participates in other strenuous physical activities.

The Iliotibial band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the top of the pelvis to below the knee at the top of the shin. It is continuous with the Tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and Gluteus Maximus muscles at the top of the thigh, down to the patella ligament under the kneecap. With the TFL, the Iilotibial band is an important lateral stabiliser of the hip (helping to stop the hips tilt to much to the side) when walking, running or cycling. Relative weakness in other muscles (such as glutes and thigh) often mean the TFL ‘overworks’, causing extra tension, tightness and friction that can irritate the attachment and other structures around the knee causing pain and sti ness. Prolonged sitting can exacerbate tension along the thigh and knee because the hips are kept in habitually shortened positions.

Treatment For Iliotibial Band Syndrome In Marlow

The best way to prevent ITBS related knee pain is regular stretching and mobilising of the hip and thigh muscles. Runners should increase their distances incrementally to progressively train their muscles and body to adjust to the increased intensity. Strengthening hip muscles with exercises such as squats and lunges can help protect against and treat ITBS.

At Marlow Sports Therapy they use K-Laser Therapy to quickly settle symptoms and manual therapy techniques to successfully treat the condition. A personalised rehab exercise program is prescribed as certain exercises make ITBS worse, depending on individual circumstances. An appointment with Mark Skoyles, Sports Therapist at Marlow Sports Therapy, can help get to the true cause of a stubborn or recurring issue

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

"I have been having K-Laser treatment on my knee which had been sore. Since having the treatment my knee is 100% better, Mark is an excellent practitioner. I now have the K-Laser treatment to ensure my knee stays good. I highly recommend this treatment." Lady Dashwood, West Wycombe