Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Editor: Dr. Amy Spencer, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS, CKTP - A Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Certified Manual Therapist. Owner and Physical Therapist, Specialized Physical Therapy in North Reading, MA.

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia that crosses the hip joint and extends downward to insert on the kneecap (patella), shin bone (tibia), and Specialized Physical Therapy Iliotibial Band Syndromehamstring (biceps femoris) tendon. The function of the iliotibial band is to provide both stability to the knee and to assist in bending or flexing the knee joint. Injury to the ITB is very common. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) describes the pain caused by inflammation of the band as it crosses the outer knee. The ITB glides back and forth over the lateral femoral condyle as the knee bends and straightens. The bursa between the lateral femoral condyle and the ITB can become irritated and inflamed if the ITB starts to snap over the condyle with repeated knee motions like walking, running, or biking.

Causes of ITBS:

People often end up with ITBS from overdoing a certain activity. The repeated strain causes the bursa on the side of your knee to become inflamed. In some athletes, especially runners or cyclists, repetitive flexion and extension of the knee cause the distal iliotibial band to become irritated and inflamed. This will result in diffuse lateral knee pain. Endurance athletes are especially prone to developing ITBS. Athletes that increase their level of activity too quickly, such as runners who increase their mileage by too much, often develop ITBS. Anatomic factors such as leg length discrepancy, an abnormal pelvic tilt, and bowlegs (genu varum) may cause ITBS because of excess stretching of the ITB across the femoral condyle.

Symptoms of ITBS:

  • Pain on the outside of the knee joint
  • Swelling at the location of discomfort
  • A snapping or popping sensation when you bend the knee
  • Weakness in hip abduction (moving the leg out to the side)

Treatment of ITBS:

Most cases of Iliotibial Band Tendonitis (ITBS) can be treated with conservative physical therapy measure like rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and manual physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed to treat ITBS. Ice, ultrasound, and Kinesio tape may be used to assist with decreasing any pain or swelling at the knee. Customized stretching with hip and knee strengthening exercises will help in restoring range of motion, muscle performance, and motor function. The focus of all physical therapy is to restore knee function, strength, and mobility.

Convenient Physical Therapy Clinic Location: North Reading, MA

Specialized Physical Therapy is conveniently located in North Reading, MA. We proudly serve residents in the neighboring communities including: Andover MA, Reading MA, North Andover MA, Wilmington MA, Boxford MA, Burlington MA, Woburn MA, Lynnfield MA, Melrose MA, Danvers MA, Middleton MA, Topsfield MA, Wakefield MA, and Methuen MA. We offer free and spacious parking located within a few steps away from our clinic’s door.


Schedule Your Appointment Today to Regain Freer Movement and Healthy Living!

Specialized Physical Therapy practices a comprehensive approach to total muscle, joint, and spine health. We are the preferred physical therapy clinic in Greater Boston, because we offer an extensive range of physical therapy services designed to restore your physical strength and mobility while reducing your pain. Our physical therapy clinic sets itself apart by:

  • We have helped thousands of patients with low back pain, sciatica, disc bulge, shoulder pain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, hip pain, hip replacement, hip impingement, knee pain, knee replacement, ACL tears, MCL strains, LCL strains, ankle pain, and much more. Our Physical Therapy experts can help you with your range of motion, strength, balance, pain, injuries, and more. Call Now to take control of your health!
  • Providing proven techniques for alleviating minor, major, acute, and chronic pain.
  • Specializing in sports medicine, manual therapy, post-surgical care, auto accidents, workers compensation, prenatal and postpartum conditions, orthopedic injuries and overuse injuries.
  • Maintaining a clean, comfortable, private and quiet clinic, making it ideal for private consulting, educating and performing the latest physical therapy techniques.
  • Focusing on your individual needs, not the bottom line, because we are a small, physical therapist-owned and family-oriented clinic.
  • Treating one patient at a time in our private treatment room to make sure that you get the personalized care and attention you need.
  • Completing your treatment from start to finish with only exceptional doctorate trained and fully licensed Massachusetts physical therapists that have excellent skills, breadth of knowledge, and invaluable experience to help you reach your goals and succeed.


Read Our Patient Successes!