ITB Syndrome in Mona Vale
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common cause of pain on the outside of the knee, particularly in runners and cyclists. At Helix Recovery, we assess your symptoms, lower-limb strength and training loads to identify contributing factors and develop a progressive rehabilitation plan.
What is ITB Syndrome?
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. ITB syndrome occurs when tissues around the outside of the knee become sensitive with repeated bending and straightening of the knee.
It is particularly common in runners and cyclists and often develops following changes in training volume, intensity, terrain or other activity demands. Rather than simply being caused by a “tight ITB”, symptoms are usually better understood by considering the amount of load being placed on the area and the person's current capacity to tolerate it.
Common Symptoms
Pain on the outside of the knee
Pain that develops during running
Symptoms that worsen as a run continues
Pain with downhill running or stairs
Tenderness around the outside of the knee
Pain with repeated bending and straightening of the knee
Symptoms associated with increases in training
Reduced tolerance for running or cyclin
How We Assess ITB Syndrome
Several structures can cause pain on the outside of the knee, including the lateral meniscus, collateral ligament and surrounding tendons, so assessment is important before assuming symptoms are coming from the ITB.
Assessment may include knee and hip movement, palpation, lower-limb strength testing and functional movements such as squatting, stepping or single-leg tasks. Your running, cycling or training loads may also be considered.
The aim is to determine the most likely source of your symptoms and identify strength, movement or training factors that can be addressed through treatment and rehabilitation.
How We Treat ITB Syndrome
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Hip and lower-limb strengthening
Running and movement modification
Activity and load modification
Gradual return to running, cycling or sport
Shockwave Therapy for ITB Syndrome
Shockwave therapy may be used for ITB syndrome to target painful and sensitive tissues around the outside of the knee, particularly when symptoms are persistent or repeatedly aggravated by running and exercise.
Shockwave therapy may help reduce local pain and sensitivity, making it easier to progress strengthening and gradually restore running tolerance. It is typically combined with exercise rehabilitation and appropriate management of training loads to address the factors contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Common Questions
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Not necessarily. The ITB is a strong connective tissue structure and cannot simply be stretched or “released” in the same way as a muscle. Symptoms are often influenced by training load, tissue sensitivity and the capacity of the lower limb to tolerate repeated activity.
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Not always. Running may temporarily need to be reduced or modified if it consistently aggravates symptoms, but complete rest is not necessarily required. The goal is usually to find a manageable level of activity and progressively rebuild running tolerance.
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Yes. Progressive strengthening of the hip and lower limb can improve your capacity to tolerate the repeated loads involved in running and other activities.
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Recovery varies depending on how long symptoms have been present, training demands and their severity. Many cases improve with appropriate load modification and progressive rehabilitation, followed by a gradual return to normal training.
Is Outer Knee Pain Stopping You From Running?
If pain on the outside of your knee is limiting running, cycling, training or sport, we can assess what's contributing and develop a progressive treatment and rehabilitation plan.