Expert IT Band Syndrome Treatment at Crestacre Chiropractic
IT Band Syndrome is a common cause of pain on the outside of the knee, usually felt slightly above the joint. It is considered an overuse injury and is particularly common in runners, although it can also affect people who take part in sports involving repeated bending and straightening of the knee, such as cycling.
The IT Band, also known as the iliotibial band, is not a muscle or a tendon. It is a dense band of fibrous connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. Its role is to help with knee stability, support movement, and assist with shock absorption through the lower limb.
For many years, IT Band Syndrome was thought to be caused mainly by friction, with the band repeatedly rubbing over bony structures at the outside of the knee as the leg bends and straightens. More recent thinking suggests that the pain is more likely caused by repeated compression and irritation of the sensitive tissue beneath the band, particularly when the knee is repeatedly bent beyond around 30 degrees.
Women may be more likely to develop this condition because of natural anatomical differences in hip and knee alignment, which can affect how the band is loaded during movement. Other common risk factors include sudden increases in training, hill running, repetitive cycling, and movement patterns that place extra stress on the outside of the knee.
Symptoms typically include pain on the outside of the knee, often slightly above the joint. It may come on during running, cycling, or other repetitive activities, and often becomes worse with continued exercise. Some people notice that it settles with rest, only to return when activity is resumed too quickly.
How We Treat IT Band Syndrome
Treatment focuses on reducing irritation, correcting known contributing factors, and improving the way the lower limb is bearing load.
At Crestacre, we would look at training load, movement patterns, footwear, and any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to excess stress on the outside of the knee. The goal is to identify why the problem has developed rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Management may include hands-on treatment, load management advice, and targeted rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, control, and movement efficiency. In runners, this often means reviewing training volume, terrain, pace, and recovery, as well as looking at hip and pelvic control, which can influence how the knee is loaded.
It is also important to identify which activities are provoking the pain. For some people, this might be running downhill or increasing mileage too quickly. For others, it may be cycling, prolonged repetitive knee bending, or returning to sport before the area has fully settled.
In some cases, further assessment of gait or foot mechanics may be helpful if these are thought to be contributing to the problem.
The aim is not just to settle the pain, but to help the lower limb function more efficiently and reduce the chance of the problem returning.
Who Will Treat You
Continuously advancing our techniques to deliver the highest standard of treatment
Visiting Our Clinic
Crestacre Chiropractic Clinic is on Barracks Lane in Walsall, WS9 9DL, with free parking directly in front of the building. We are easy to reach from Aldridge, Lichfield, Cannock, Brownhills, Walsall Wood and Pelsall.
Our opening hours are:
- Monday: 08:00 to 19:30
- Tuesday: 08:00 to 19:30
- Wednesday: 13:00 to 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 to 19:30
- Friday: 08:00 to 19:30
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is a regulated profession, and all of our practitioners are registered with the General Chiropractic Council. After a full assessment, your chiropractor will select techniques suited to you, and will always explain what to expect beforehand.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with the clinic, and we will carry out a complete assessment at your first visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Comfortable clothing is helpful, along with details of any relevant medical history or medication. Allow a little extra time for your initial consultation, which lasts around 50 minutes.
Book an Appointment for IT Band Syndrome
You do not have to put up with IT band syndrome.
Call us on 01543 370500, email reception@crestacreclinic.co.uk, or book online to arrange an assessment and take the first step towards moving comfortably again.
