Patient of the Week: IT Band Syndrome

Patient of the week - IT band syndrome
A female patient in her 50’s came and she was complained about her leg pain that occurred several month ago. It was very painful when she touched it and pain aggregated, especially after her work out.
When it was examined and palpated lateral side of her leg,-her IT band-was very tight like a rock and she was in severe pain even with very little pressure.
Further examination, her TFL muscle and gruteal muscle are very tender and tight too.
According to her, pain was worse after the work out and especially, when flex and extend her knee.
She has been to get massage therapy and physio theray previously and unfortunately, it was very helpful for her.
What is IT band?
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a tendonous and fascial band that originates on the iliac crest (hipbone). It also attaches to the gluteal muscles (your rump) and the tensor fascia latae (TFL). The TFL is the muscle on the outside of your hip that moves your leg outward.
Why is the pain occurred in IT band?
IT band pain is typically associated with prolonged, repetitive activity. But more advanced cases may cause pain when simply walking or going up and down stairs. You may feel stiff or tight after periods of inactivity and especially after prolonged sitting.
What causes tightness in IT band?
Many factors can contribute to the problem. One is muscle imbalance, where some muscle groups are tight and others are weak or fatigued.
Tightness, or a loss in flexibility, can occur in the hip flexors, hip abductors and internal rotators. Correspondingly, it often helps to strengthen the hip extensors, abductors and external rotators.
Lastly, closed kinetic chain activity. Closed chain activities are weight-bearing exercises or activities where the foot is in contact with the ground. This creates increased tension on the IT band and a higher degree of friction.
Treatment
Electro acupuncture was used for the main treatment to stimulate associated muscle(i.e. TFL and gluteal muscles) around IT band and IT band itselt. Also, fire cupping and Gua-Sha (muscle scapping technique) were added in her treatment.
Also, light stretches for IT band and form roller self massage were recommended.
She started her treatment once a week for four weeks since May 4 th and her pain level dropped from 8/10 to 2-3/10. Moreover, her IT band and associated muscle got so much softer than before.
She came in June 21 st for her fifth treatment and there was little bit of tenderness remained but she was doing so much better. So she was very happy and satisfied.
She was scheduled for a month later and I can’t wait to see her again to see how much she will be better this time!
#ITband, #electro, #acupuncture, #motorpoint, #pain