An iliotibial band stretch is a knee rehabilitation exercise to stretch the fibrous band at the side of the thigh.
Page updated February 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
What is iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome is a disorder of sportspeople, especially runners, where the band of fibrous tissue along the outer aspect of the leg becomes painful, probably due to friction over a bony point of the knee.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
Patients recall "...the onset of lateral knee pain at a consistent mileage that forced them to stop running."
Citation: Shamus J, Shamus E. THE MANAGEMENT OF ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME WITH A MULTIFACETED APPROACH: A DOUBLE CASE REPORT. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Jun;10(3):378-90. PMID: 26075154; PMCID: PMC4458926.
How do stretches help ITB syndrome?
Stretching the lower back and hip after exercise helps to relieve the discomfort.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
but "...there is still no consensus on a standard of care for ITBS. Moreover, the literature on the etiology and risk factors of ITBS, which could help in selecting appropriate treatment methods, is conflicting and inconclusive"
Citation: Opara M, Kozinc Ž. Stretching and Releasing of Iliotibial Band Complex in Patients with Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Narrative Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2023 Jun 4;8(2):74. doi: 10.3390/jfmk8020074. PMID: 37367238; PMCID: PMC10299000.
Forum discussions
- Wyn's Left TKR,HELP WITH Tendinopathy & Iliotibial Band Syndrome
ITB problems after total knee replacement.
- itb and si joint advice please
A general discussion about the value of stretches.