Physical Therapy Intervention for Illiotibial Band Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a non-traumatic overuse injury. It is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners, with an incidence rate of 22.2% in all lower extremity injuries in runners. The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick fascia that originates from the iliac crest tubercle, tensor fascia latae, and lateral gluteal muscles. It then passes distally and attaches to the lateral patellar retinaculum, tubercle major, and proximal fibular head. This study aimed to determine the treatment of physiotherapy in cases of iliotibial band syndrome.

Methods: The research methods in this study are literature review or article literature studies. The research was conducted by reviewing several journal articles in Google Scholar, PubMed, NCBI, and Science Direct.

Results: Physiotherapy treatment in cases of iliotibial band syndrome can be in the form of stretching exercises to increase muscle strength, increase passive range of motion, and reduce pain. Exercises can be done by one-leg squats, extending with hip extension, clamshells, and hip abduction. In addition, a physiotherapy modality can be given to athletes with iliotibial band syndrome, namely radial shock wave therapy (RSWT), which increases the diffusion of cytokines in muscle shortening. The provision of manual therapy with the Mulligan method, namely mobilization with movements and independent exercises at home, can improve healing in cases of iliotibial band syndrome. The use of assistive devices, namely foam rollers, can also be used to increase myofascial release, thereby reducing muscle pain.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is known that there are exercises, physiotherapy modalities, manual therapy, and foam rollers that are effective in helping patients with iliotibial band syndrome cases.