IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome is lateral knee pain related to friction or compression of the IT band during repetitive knee flexion and extension.
Knee - PathologyBiomechanical Mechanism
Overactive TFL, hip abductor weakness, and increased dynamic valgus contribute to lateral knee stress.
Clinical Rationale
IT band syndrome is often driven by proximal hip control deficits. Improving hip stability reduces lateral knee stress.
Practical Solution
Address hip control and reduce lateral knee loading with strength and gait correction.
Common Compensations
- Hip adduction
- Knee valgus
- Lateral knee pain during running
Correctives
- TFL/IT band SMR (2x60 sec)
- Glute med strengthening
- Running gait retraining
Progression
- 1Level 1: SMR and stretching
- 2Level 2: Hip strengthening
- 3Level 3: Single-leg control
- 4Level 4: Return to running
Regression
- Reduce running volume
- Limit pain-provoking range
- Use low-load drills
Red Flags
- Severe swelling
- Locking
- Trauma
Differential Diagnosis
Lateral meniscus injuryLCL sprainBiceps femoris tendinopathy
Related Assessments
ober test assessmentsingle leg squat assessment
Related Exercises
tfl it band smrlateral step band
