Iliotibial Band Pain Effectively Treated with Applied Kinesiology and Chiropractic

Iliotibial Band Syndrome or Iliotibial Band pain is a common extremity pain that affects athletes of all types, especially runners. Knee pain is often a result. Using functional neurology and muscle testing, doctors trained in Applied Kinesiology and Chiropractic are able to relieve these ailments effectively and within a short period of time.



The Iliotibial Band is situated between the crest of the ilium and the outer portion of the tibia, hence the ilio-tibial name. The main muscle located here is the TFL, or Tensor Fasciae Lata, a flexor of the hip and internal rotator of the lower leg. This muscle is intertwined with the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Maximis muscle, which also helps coordinate hip extension and abduction, internal/external rotation.

In-coordination of these muscles frequently results in hip and/or knee pain. There are essentially three basic muscles that are big problem makers for the knee. The TFL ( tensor fasciae lata ), quadricep, and sartorious. Specific muscle testing used in Applied Kinesiology can quickly identify which muscles are involved, as well as locate bony displacement of the tibia, fibula, or femur.

For runners, the iliotibial band can create very painful knee pain, if fatigued. The cause is usually lymphatic congestion of the lateral leg, combined with misalignment of the talus bone, located in the foot. Have dropped arches? Any foot misaligment can cause global muscle dysfunction in the body because it affects Cerebellar activity in the brain, which allows your body to recognize position-sense. (Close your eyes and then attempt to touch your nose...the only way this can happen is by position sense which is regulated by the cerebellum.)

Other common causes of knee pain include weakness of the Quadricep muscle. This muscle helps "track" the knee cap and keeps the femur from shifting forward on the tibia. The weakness of the quadricep can be easily evaluated and treated by Applied Kinesiology. Weakness of this muscle, especially at its attachment point on the tibia can lead to a condition called Osgood Schlatter's. Children are particularly prone to this condition.

Keep in mind, there can certainly be some permanent damage in the knee, such as degenerative arthritis, erosion of the tibial plateau, ACL/LCL Ligament damage, or torn cartilage. These tissue changes do not, however, mean that a person will experience pain. I have seen and treated many painful knee problems where the MRI results indicated extensive damage. Using Applied Kinesiology techniques, the idea is to treat the underlying causes for these changes...in most instances the pain significantly reduces or completely goes away. Proper exercises and home instruction are needed to keep the pain away, but in all reality, damaged tissues, ligaments, cartilage, etc, always have the potential to become irritated again. Arthroscopic surgery is needed in some instances of degenerative and traumatic knee changes. Chiropractic and Applied Kinesiology evaluation/treatment should be sought first before considering surgery.

Another common presentation of knee pain is preceded by weakness of a muscle called the sartorious. This muscle holds up the medial (inner) knee and is an important stabilizer of the the tibia during running, walking. The causes of this muscle weakness are multifactorial. Misalignment of the low back and sacroiliac joint often cause the sartorious to weaken to do a mechanical stretching of the muscle. The most common cause of sartorious weakness, though, is a condition called Adrenal Fatigue. This condition was recently responsible for the death of Olympic Marathoner Trainee Ryan Shay. Shay collapsed and died at the 5th mile of his olympic trials. Proper evaluation and treatment by an Applied Kinesiologist could have identified the common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue that Ryan Shay experienced. The unfortunate situation is that most doctors, whether they are chiropractic or medical doctors, do not know how to identify Adrenal Gland Fatigue problems. Blood tests are less that adequate in identifying this condition either, unless is in an advanced stage. Saliva Cortisol test is the most reliable. See an Applied Kinesiologist Chiropractor to determine if this is the cause of your knee pain, especially if stress is also a factor.

This is the most serious case of knee pain, because it is due to stress hormone imbalance in the body. Other symptoms of Adrenal Gland Fatigue are dizziness upon standing, dropped arches of the feet, medial knee pain, intolerance to stress, light sensitivity, anxiety/depression/panic attacks, addiction to alcohol or other stimulants (coffee, tea, soda, cigarettes, chocolate), fatigue.

For more information or to speak with one of our practitioners contact the Chapel Hill Chiropractic Centre at 919-968-4417