The iliotibial band syndrome most frequently arises in individuals performing repetitive hectic activities. The sharp pain caused by the iliotibial band syndrome can cause significant disruptions in daily life. The iliotibial band is a crucial tendon in the leg and knee region that helps you move. Victims of the IBS include athletes and players like basketball players, runners, soccer players, skiers, cyclers, etc. As it is a disorder of the players, pain means days off from practice and precious time lost. So, most patients want quick and permanent relief.
Every year doctors adopt multiple strategies to cure ITBS. However, in the recent past, there has been a shift toward shockwave therapy to effectively treat iliotibial band syndrome. So, let’s find out how shockwaves can bring down your leg/knee tendon pain and help you return to the practice field with a new energy!
Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Knee pain: The most common complaint of patients with ITBS is knee pain. Athletes encounter severe pain after exercise/working out. A lot of runners report lateral knee pain due to ITBS which aggravates on running downhill. Some patients experience exacerbation of symptoms while exercising while others feel aches during rest.
Hip pain: Iliotibial band friction is recognized as a cause of lateral hip pain in athletic adults. This symptom may be accompanied by other manifestations.
Snapping/clicking sounds: A number of patients are concerned about the loud clicking sounds in their hip/knee heard during movement.
Patients also experience redness and warmth on the skin overlying the iliotibial band. Prolonged, untreated ITBS may even lead to muscle weakness and gait changes.
Shockwave Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) aka shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality administered to heal soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc. There are two types of ESWT:
- Focal
- Radial
The introduction of high-energy shockwaves into the affected site has gained wide popularity in the recent past. Modern studies conclude that conservative treatment options like shockwaves and rest/ice can lower the symptoms of ITBS. This method of healing brings positive changes in the following ways:
Reduces Inflammation
Extracorporeal shockwaves improve the blood supply of the affected region. This helps reduce inflammation in tendinopathies like ITBS. The reduction of inflammation brings down pain and aids in promoting recovery.
Alleviates Pain
This therapy reduces inflammation and pain signals which ultimately leads to alleviation of hip and knee pain. According to a 2024 study, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and strengthening exercises mitigate pain and significantly enhance function.
Kickstarts Natural Healing
The greatest therapeutic benefit of shockwaves in ITBS is the promotion of natural healing. Shockwave therapy lays the foundation of tissue repair by assisting cell proliferation and collagen formation. Therefore, it is regarded as an effective regenerative medicine technique (especially in sports medicine).
Strengthens The Tendon
Studies show that, in addition to inflammation/pain reduction, it plays a part in neovascularization which is the process of forming new blood vessels. This allows the tendons to become stronger and more resistant to damage.
Shockwave Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome At The Legacy Clinic
The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic offers shockwave therapy for iliotibial band syndrome. The professionals at the facility very carefully apply shockwaves to flush out pain and inflammation from your tendon making your tendon “as good as new”. So, don’t let your knee pain keep you from your sports practice, and contact us ASAP!
References
- https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/what-is-iliotibial-or-it-band-syndrome/
- https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/services/shockwave-therapy/
- Hutchinson, L. A., Lichtwark, G. A., Willy, R. W., & Kelly, L. A. (2022). The iliotibial band: a complex structure with versatile functions. Sports Medicine, 52(5), 995-1008.
- Chamberlain, R. (2021). Hip pain in adults: evaluation and differential diagnosis. American family physician, 103(2), 81-89.
- Miccio, S., Berardi, A., Tofani, M., & Galeoto, G. (2021). Conservative Rehabilitation Treatments of Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ), 11(1).
- Chen, Y., Lyu, K., Lu, J., Jiang, L., Zhu, B., Liu, X., … & Li, S. (2022). Biological response of extracorporeal shock wave therapy to tendinopathy in vivo. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 851894.
- Sanchez-Alvarado, A., Bokil, C., Cassel, M., & Engel, T. (2024). Effects of conservative treatment strategies for iliotibial band syndrome on pain and function in runners: a systematic review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1386456.
- Crevenna, R., Mickel, M., Schuhfried, O., Gesslbauer, C., Zdravkovic, A., & Keilani, M. (2021). Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 9, 1-10.
- Poenaru, D., Sandulescu, M. I., & Cinteza, D. (2022). Biological effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in tendons: A systematic review. Biomedical Reports, 18(2), 15.
- https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/services/shockwave-therapy/