Have you ever suffered from an IT Band issue? Most athletes are very well accustomed to a foam roller and IT band stretches because currently treatment for IT Band issues focuses on trying to lengthen the tight IT band. However, in an article out recently in Runner’s World, that focus might be changing.
According to the University Of Calgary’s Running Injury Clinic, hip weakness is likely a key culprit to IT Band issues. They put 9 runner’s with IT Band pain on a 6 week hip strengthening program in addition to stretching and by the end of the program It Band length had not changed, hip strength increased and all the runner’s were back to running pain-free. You can check out the article here: http://sweatscience.runnersworld.com/2012/06/strengthening-not-stretching-to-deal-with-iliotibial-band-syndrome/?cm_mmc=NL-TrainingExtra-_-973372-_-07102012-_-Strengthen%2C-or-Stretch%3F
As a physical therapist, I wouldn’t stop stretching a tight IT Band, but I would definitely make sure I add in specific hip strengthening exercises. Happy Hip Strengthening!
