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Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

Overview

IT Band Syndrome is an overuse injury caused by friction between the iliotibial band (a thick band of tissue along the outside of the thigh) and the femur near the knee.
It’s one of the most common causes of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists, typically due to poor hip stability and excessive repetitive strain.

Signs & Symptoms

- Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee
- Pain worsens with running, cycling, or going downhill
- Clicking or snapping sensation at the knee
- Tenderness along the outer thigh or hip
- Pain that eases with rest but returns with activity

Causes

- Weak hip abductors and glutes
- Tight IT band or TFL muscle
- Overtraining or improper running form
- Poor footwear or running surface
- Pelvic or hip misalignment

How a Chiropractor Can Help

At Unify Rehab & Performance, we perform a biomechanical and gait analysis to determine what’s causing excessive tension through the IT band.

Our treatment may include:

- Manual therapy and adjustments for hip, pelvis, and knee alignment.
- Soft tissue therapy to release the IT band, TFL, and glute muscles.
- Acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rehabilitation focused on glute and hip strength, movement retraining, and gradual return-to-run progression.
- Education on running form, load management, and prevention strategies.

Our integrated approach helps eliminate pain while improving your running mechanics and lower-limb performance.

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