How to Identify Iliotibial Band Syndrome and the AMIT Solution

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the knee. The IT band is a long band of fascia that runs from the hip to just below the outside of the knee, and ITBS shows up most often in runners and cyclists. The pain typically builds during a run or ride, and some people feel clicking, popping, or snapping on the outside of the knee.

Because the IT band is pulled tight by the muscles at the hip, what those hip muscles are doing matters more than the band itself, which is why AMIT starts at the hip, not the knee.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) occurs when the thick fascial band that extends from the outside of the pelvic bone to the outside of the tibia becomes tight and causes irritation.

It is especially common in distance runners and athletes who perform repetitive leg movements. This is one of the hip, knee & leg hub AMIT addresses by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

On This Page:

• Causes of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

• Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

• Training Factors That Trigger ITBS

• ITBS vs. Other Causes of Knee Pain

• AMIT Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Causes of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

ITBS is primarily caused by overuse and muscle imbalances. Contributing factors include:

• Muscle Tightness or Weakness: Tight hip muscles or weak gluteal muscles can lead to IT band irritation.

• Poor Alignment: Misalignment of the hip or knee joint can cause abnormal movement patterns.

• Repetitive Motion: Distance runners and athletes who frequently perform repetitive knee movements are at higher risk.

Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

ITBS presents with several common symptoms, including:

• Lateral Knee Pain: Pain and swelling on the outside of the knee.

• Stiffness in the Hip or Thigh: Tightness in the outer thigh or hip area, especially after activity.

• Redness and Warmth: Inflammation in the knee or thigh region, often accompanied by warmth or tenderness to the touch.

• Popping or Crunching Sounds: Clicking or popping noises when moving the knee.

The pain usually increases as you keep running, cycling, or doing any exercise that repeatedly bends and straightens the knee.

Training Factors That Trigger ITBS

Most ITBS starts with a change in training, not a single injury:

• A sudden jump in volume or intensity: Adding miles, hills, or speed work too quickly increases stress on the body and can bring out faulty movement patterns.

• Worn-out shoes: The commonly recommended lifespan for running shoes is 300 to 500 miles.

• Repetitive knee motion without recovery: Long runs and rides done back to back without rest days.

For runners, our article on knee pain while running: when to push and when to stop helps decide when to back off.

ITBS vs. Other Causes of Knee Pain

Pain on the outside of the knee is not always the IT band. An exam is used to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, including runner's knee (patellofemoral pain), a meniscus tear, and a stress fracture. Pain directly below the kneecap points more toward jumper's knee, and pain on the outside of the hip rather than the knee may be hip bursitis.

AMIT Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

What Happens During ITBS?

Recent research shows that friction from the IT band rubbing against the knee does not cause ITBS. Instead, ITBS is caused by muscle inhibition in two key muscles: the tensor fascia lata and the gluteus maximus. These muscles work together to stabilize the iliotibial band as it runs down the side of the thigh. When these muscles are inhibited or not functioning properly, ITBS develops.

How Does AMIT Help?

Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) addresses the root cause of ITBS by reactivating the inhibited tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus muscles. AMIT restores normal muscle function, relieving pressure on the IT band and reducing irritation and pain. This non-invasive technique helps athletes return to activity without the risk of recurrence.

On a first visit we test the tensor fascia lata, gluteus maximus, and the other hip and knee muscles one at a time, and look at how your knee tracks during a squat or step-down. The visit takes about 40 minutes; what to expect explains how to prepare.

Steps to Take If You Have Iliotibial Band Syndrome

1. Consult a Specialist: At AMIT, we specialize in treating ITBS using our proprietary muscle activation method. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

2. Avoid Stretching the IT Band: Stretching the IT band directly may exacerbate symptoms. Focus on strengthening weak muscles instead.

3. Rehabilitation: After AMIT treatment, we will guide you through exercises to strengthen the tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus, helping to prevent future irritation.

Why Choose AMIT for Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

• Non-Invasive Treatment: AMIT offers a natural, non-surgical approach to correcting muscle imbalances.

• Relieves IT Band Tension: By addressing the root cause of muscle inhibition, AMIT reduces pressure on the IT band, allowing it to heal.

• Prevents Recurrence: AMIT restores proper muscle function, helping to prevent ITBS from returning.

If you're suffering from ITBS, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinics in the Salt lake City Area for professional, effective treatment using Advanced Muscle Integration Technique. Let us help you return to your activities pain-free.

Call us today at 801.544.2355 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

IT Band Syndrome Treatment in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics treats IT band syndrome at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. We see marathon and trail runners, cyclists, and people who started a new running program and developed pain a few weeks in.

Frequently Asked Questions About IT Band Syndrome

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen.