IT band help

Have you tried specific IT band stretches? They helped me significantly, especially after my cortisone injections. Another thing to try is an IT band strap. It just helps keep pressure on it and tracking properly. You'll want to see an orthopedic doctor. Most orthos have a specialty in a specific body part or groups of them. Make sure you go to one that does knees. Find a practice online and do your homework on it looking for reviews and history of the doctor. For instance the practice I went to in Illinois was filled with doctors that did sports medicine for big name professional teams. Made me more confident that I could trust them to work on my knee.

chiropractor! hands down, the fastest, most effective relief you can get in most cases. non-invasive, painless, drugless, and usually same day appointments.

good luck.

blessings.

Did you have cortisone injections for your ITBS?

Yes I have tried stretches and a strap...I think there must be something going on beyond just straightforward IT band stuff as this is dragging on for a very long time even with rest. Thanks so much for the suggestions for an orthopedic specialist. How is your IT band now?

I had cortisone injections for few problems with my left knee (ITB, tendonitis, and a stress injury of my distal femur). Whatever the problem, the cortisone just serves to help with the inflammation. I really injured my knee at work in October but had problems before with light pain. As of the end of January I'm back at full duty though I could probably use another shot. I'm only just getting some light jogging accomplished. Impact really bothers it.

Be prepared for some physical therapy if its really an issue for you. There are some good stretches and strengthening exercises for the ITB. However as I discovered, the knee all works together and you can't have any other weaknesses in it. Get it checked out by somebody who does knees. You need to be sure that it isn't a stress injury/fracture or a torn/pulled ligament/tendon. Even just the patella not tracking right can cause issues.

ART can be quite painful, and IT band also tends to be more sensative than others. ART can be quite effective but just remember on a pain scale of 1-10, 10 being the most excruciating pain your pain should never go past a 7.
I tell my clients this all the time. No pain no gain doesn't always work, when it comes to massage going beyond this can be counter productive, muscle start to tense up to prevent further injury. You will most likely be sore for a day or two afterwards, make sure you drink lots of water and have a hot epsom salt bath later that night or the next day.

The IT band can be tricky and sometimes it isn't what is causing the pain. Try stretching out your piriformis/glutes by crossing your legs to make a 4 and bend over. Foam rolling is fine, but can be awkward and some will not have this at home. If you bake use your rolling pin and roll your quads, hamstrings and IT band start with light pressure and slowly increase it till you hit the 7 on the pain scale.

I would suggest seeing an athletic therapist, physio, or orthopedic and massage. With massage you also want to make sure that during the intake they watch how you walk and what not. Might be more to this than just your IT band.

Hope this helps

How long has it been? I injured my IT band last year and it took literally months to heal up properly. Some injuries just take time. If that is the case for you (not saying that it is), then the only thing you can do is rest it and find alternative exercises. Good luck!