Iliotibial band syndrome is a nagging overuse injury that causes pain along the outer thigh, usually where the IT band rubs over the knee.
The iliotibial band itself is a thick stretch of connective tissue that runs from your hip down to your shin.
When this band gets too tight, inflamed, or out of balance with surrounding muscles, it leads to irritation and sharp pain, especially during repetitive motion like running or biking.
Common Causes and Symptoms of IT Band Pain
IT band syndrome doesn’t just show up out of the blue. It’s often a result of poor movement patterns, overtraining, or biomechanical issues. Here’s what usually sets it off:
- Repetitive activities (running, cycling, stair climbing).
- Poor running form or gait imbalances.
- Weak glutes or hip muscles.
- Tight quads, hamstrings, or calves.
- Uneven leg lengths or pelvic misalignment.
Common signs of IT band pain include:
- Sharp or burning pain on the outer knee.
- Discomfort that worsens with activity.
- Tenderness along the outer thigh.
- A snapping or popping feeling at the knee.
How Chiropractic Care Targets the Root of IT Band Syndrome
Many people treat IT band pain with rest and foam rolling, which can help in the short term, but chiropractic care offers a deeper approach. At Bergen Chiropractic, the goal isn’t just to stop the pain. It’s to figure out why the pain started in the first place and fix it at the source.
Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis of Misalignments
The first step? A detailed biomechanical assessment. Our Bergen Chiropractic team looks beyond the obvious and checks posture, spinal alignment, leg length, gait, and muscle tone. Subtle issues, like a tilted pelvis or tight hips, often feed into IT band syndrome. Catching these early helps guide the right treatment.
Manual Adjustments That Restore Lower Body Function
Chiropractic adjustments aren’t just for the back. Realigning the pelvis, sacrum, hips, and even knees can relieve strain on the IT band. With better alignment, your body can move the way it’s meant to, without pulling the IT band too tight or causing friction.
Addressing Muscle Imbalances and Gait Issues
One leg doing more work than the other? Tight hips stealing your stride? These things add up. IT band syndrome often starts with an imbalance. Bergen Chiropractic takes the time to spot weak links and retrain your body to move in sync.
Therapies That Support Healing and Pain Relief
Chiropractic care isn’t limited to adjustments. To really tackle iliotibial band syndrome, Bergen Chiropractic layers in additional therapies to calm inflammation, release tension, and boost healing.
Manual Techniques: Active Release, Dry Needling & More
Hands-on treatments like Active Release Technique (ART) and dry needling target tight muscles and adhesions along the IT band. These techniques help break up scar tissue, improve mobility, and reduce tension that feeds into the pain cycle.
Modalities to Reduce Inflammation and Speed Recovery
To soothe the area and encourage repair, Bergen Chiropractic may use:
- Therapeutic ultrasound.
- Class IV laser therapy.
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
- Cold therapy applications.
These tools help reduce swelling, increase circulation, and fast-track recovery, especially when used consistently.
Targeted Rehabilitative Exercises for Long-Term Relief
IT band treatment doesn’t end in the office. Stretching, strengthening, and mobility drills are a huge part of staying pain-free. Bergen Chiropractic guides patients through:
- Hip abductor and glute strengthening.
- IT band and quad stretches.
- Foam rolling the lateral thigh (without overdoing it).
- Balance and gait retraining exercises.
Typical Timeline for ITBS Healing with Chiropractic Care
Healing time depends on how long the IT band pain has been hanging around and how consistently you stick with your plan. Some individuals experience relief in just a few sessions, while others may take several weeks. Most patients notice steady improvement with:
- 1–2 visits per week for the first few weeks.
- A consistent home exercise routine.
- Lifestyle tweaks (better shoes, better form, better posture).
The earlier you start, the faster you’ll bounce back.
FAQ about IT Band Syndrome and Chiropractic Care
Can chiropractic care cure iliotibial band syndrome?
It’s not a magic wand, but yes, chiropractic care can correct the underlying issues causing IT band pain, which means long-term relief.
What makes Bergen Chiropractic different?
They don’t rush you through an appointment. Their approach blends science-backed therapies with personalized care based on how your body moves and heals.
Is it safe to get adjusted if I have ITBS?
Absolutely. Many IT band treatments involve gentle adjustments tailored to your needs, with a focus on reducing strain, not adding to it.
Specialized IT Band Syndrome Treatment in Bergen County
The chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic care. Our mission is to deliver unparalleled patient care in a comfortable and healing environment.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care for IT band syndrome!
