IT Band exercises for knee pain- got any good ones?
08-28-12, 05:01 PM
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IT Band exercises for knee pain- got any good ones?
Doc says knee pain might go away if I do IT band exercises.
Any cyclists have this work for them? Which exercises did you do?
Any cyclists have this work for them? Which exercises did you do?
08-28-12, 06:13 PM
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Exercises? If you have IT band issues, I would think that they are from over-use. The best exercise for IT band inflamation is rest.
08-28-12, 07:47 PM
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I was told the IT band runs down the side of the leg, and is supposed to share the load when pedallng. If it is weak, the slack is taken up by the small muscles around the knee and you get some pain.
Strengthen the IT, and it can carry the load.
Strengthen the IT, and it can carry the load.
08-28-12, 07:56 PM
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Lie on your side, keeping the top leg straight. Point the toes of the top leg downward and then raise that leg up - as if your legs were scissors. Repeat for the other side. Then go back to the first leg and this time keep the toes pointing forward instead of down. Again, repeat for both sides. Stretch each IT band by laying on the bed on your side and drop the top leg behind (or in front depending on which way you're laying) and down. Feel the love and then repeat for the other side. Some side lunges can't hurt either.
I know we get a good amount of quad and hamstring strengthening from riding but because of the linear nature of riding we need to strengthen and stretch the adductors and abductors (like the IT band).
I know we get a good amount of quad and hamstring strengthening from riding but because of the linear nature of riding we need to strengthen and stretch the adductors and abductors (like the IT band).
08-28-12, 08:50 PM
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Buy a foam roller. Hurts alot at first and then becomes amazingly comfortable. Recommended for IT band problems by most physical therapists. Available at REI, EMS Dick's and most big sporting good stores.
09-04-12, 12:01 PM
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I suffer from this in both knees because I run mountain marathons and I really abuse the legs on the descents. I now I know how you can treat it and how you can prevent it.
To treat you need REST as mentioned before. Bicycle is bad for the IT band syndrome . Not so bad as running, but still it will keep it from healing. So, for a month unfortunately you shouldn't do any kind of leg excercises (walking is ok). Maybe a little bit of cycling.
Know, most of physiotherapists suggest stretching, but there is a school that says stretching wont help you a bit as IT band is a tendon.
I've discovered that stretching actually helps a lot! So if you want to get rid of it do these:
1) Ice it
2) Rest it
3)Stretch it
4) Strengthen it
The best stretching excersice I've practiced is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYM3KWwrGY
You can also do this, it's a variation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYM3KWwrGY
For strength do slow leg elevation (straight leg) while you're laying on your side. Do 3 sets of 10, 2 times a day. A week later do 20.
To treat you need REST as mentioned before. Bicycle is bad for the IT band syndrome . Not so bad as running, but still it will keep it from healing. So, for a month unfortunately you shouldn't do any kind of leg excercises (walking is ok). Maybe a little bit of cycling.
Know, most of physiotherapists suggest stretching, but there is a school that says stretching wont help you a bit as IT band is a tendon.
I've discovered that stretching actually helps a lot! So if you want to get rid of it do these:
1) Ice it
2) Rest it
3)Stretch it
4) Strengthen it
The best stretching excersice I've practiced is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYM3KWwrGY
You can also do this, it's a variation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYM3KWwrGY
For strength do slow leg elevation (straight leg) while you're laying on your side. Do 3 sets of 10, 2 times a day. A week later do 20.
09-04-12, 01:25 PM
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