Illiotibial Band Tendinopathy…What is it and how can Remedial Massage help treat it

Illiotibial Band (more commonly known as ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae (TFL).

What is Illiotibial Band Tendinopathy?

ITB Tendinopathy is pain or tenderness of the lateral aspect of the knee. The signs and symptoms of this is hip pain, a clicking sensation at the knee, knee pain, and inflammation. ITB Tendinopathy most commonly affects, runners, cyclists, soccer and basketball players.

ITB Tendinopathy potentially could be the following:

• Bicep Femoris (Hamstring) Tendinopathy

• Degenerative Joint Disease

• Meniscal Dysfunction or Injury

• Myofascial Pain

• Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome

• Popliteal Tendinopathy

• Referred pain from lower back

How can Remedial Massage Therapy help?

As the ITB is a connective tissue, it cannot be stretched therefore treating the surrounding muscles is important as this will simultaneously loosen up the tightness being felt in the ITB. A Remedial Massage can help ITB Tendinopathy through treating the boardering muscles of the ITB such as the hip muscles (TFL, psoas and illiacus, hamstrings, adductors, quads and the glute muscles. Massage will also improve mobility, relieve tightness in the leg, improve range of motion, circulation and promote relaxation.

In a Remedial Massage session to treat ITB Tendinopathy, the following modalities will be used:

• Deep Tissue Massage

  • Deep Tissue Massage will be utilised to help release the surrounding muscles of the ITB as mentioned above to help decrease the tightness of the ITB.

• Myofascial Release

  • This light and dry technique will help loosen up the fascia of the ITB as it aims to release the tension in this area in a more broader way then Trigger Point Therapy.

• Myofascial Cupping

  • Cupping can help loosen up the tightness in the ITB similar to a way the Myofascial Release can do.

• Advanced Taping

  • This will include using Kinesiology Tape to tape the ITB which will help decrease the pain and inflammation in this area. The tape will lift the skin to allow increased lymphatic fluid and blood flow to the affected area.

Book in at Prism Recovery to begin feeling ease if you are experiencing ITB pain or tightness.