IT Band Syndrome
The Iliotibial (IT) band is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that extends from the hip to the outside of the knee and performs as a stabilizer of these two joints. If the buttock muscles are under-trained, the IT band and its adjoining muscle can become overactive during repetitive motions like running and cycling. The IT band interfaces with the quadriceps and hamstrings and should glide smoothly over these muscles during walking and running gait. If pressure and friction occurs between these tissues, scarring will develop over the region. Specific muscle release in conjunction with hip and pelvic joint adjustments often resolve dysfunction. It is also important to consider excessive pronation (flat feet) and hip weakness as initial causal factors.