I Got Beat Up at PT.

Good morning and Happy Valentine's Day!

A few weeks ago I posted about my hip issues and yes, they are still around.  Recently I was diagnosed with Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)…just like I thought it was initially, and for this, I go to a physical therapist once or twice a week to get “beat up.”  Last night I had my weekly date with the therapists (either Ian or Danielle) and let me tell you...PT is hard work!  Phew!

What is ITBS?

ITBS is a common injury to the thigh, generally associated with activities such as running and cycling.  It is often called “runner’s knee” and it is one of the leading causes of knee or hip pain in runners.

The IT band runs from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserts just below the knee.  It plays a critical part in stabilizing the knee during running.  The continual rubbing of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed. 

ITBS symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint  (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the IT band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the floor.

What do I do at these sessions?  First, I get stretched out like a pretzel for the first half hour.  In addition, they will have me lay on my side and will literally take a wooden baseball bat and roll it up and down the side of my leg right over the IT band while applying pressure.  OMG…I see stars.   This is so painful!  It’s my least favorite part of the whole session, but I know it will help in the long run.

While they say that rest and stretching are the best remedies for ITBS, I may not exactly be listening to the doctor's orders.  I continue to do my stretches, post-run icing, and PT, but I can’t stop myself from running.  I know…shame, shame. 

Anyway, since ITBS is a very common running injury, I thought I would share my experiences.  I know this wasn't the most exciting post, but I hope it was informative.   

I found this sign and I thought I would include it...it's exactly where I like to be! 

 

Have you ever had IT band issues, whether it be on the outside of the knee or up in the hip area?   

 

Have a great Tuesday!

Tracy

IT Band? Nope...just bilateral hip issues.

As most runners know, you will go through your days with the minor aches and pains that evolve from our beloved sport.  You know what I mean…tight hamstrings, a pinching Achilles, or that nagging pain that you get along the side of your knee…or in my case, the hips. 

For a while now, I have been experiencing pain in both hips before, during and after running.  At first, it was a dull, achy feeling, but as I increased my mileage, it continued to worsen.  I asked my brother- in-law, Dr. Tyler McClimon, who is a chiropractor based in Birdsboro, PA and he immediately thought my IT band was acting up.  He showed me a few stretches to do before and after running.

In addition to the stretches, I also continued to be religious to my best friend...the foam roller.  Here he is…adorable!

I love him (my foam roller) because he helps me use my body weight to massage my sore and tight muscles. At one point, the pain was so intense as I rolled the side of my thighs over this foam contraption.  But in reality, it was a good kind of pain since I knew I was helping myself in the long run.

So after a few weeks of stretching, foam rolling, a handful of intense 30-minute sports massage sessions, I was still in pain. 

I went to a local high school and consulted with one of their sports trainers.  Again, I was told that my issue was the all-common IT band.  He advised me to take Advil, or any kind of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the inflammation.  He also set up a doctor appointment with a well-known doctor in the area who specializes in orthopedics, especially running.

So here I am.  Today I saw Dr. Brett Godbout, an orthopedic surgeon at Coordinated Health in Bethlehem.  After a few x-rays and some testing, he officially diagnosed me with bilateral hip pain…not Iliotibal band syndrome (like I thought).    

My diagnosis came to somewhat of a surprise, but it was definitely a relief.  Now, I have a few appointments with a physical therapist and a follow-up with Dr. Godbout in six weeks.  I am also supposed to lay off the Advil because anti-inflammatory medication can be rough the stomach, particularly in women.

So overall, it was a decent appointment with good news in the end!