IT Band Syndrome & Runner's Knee

IT band syndrome (ITBS) occurs when the iliotibial band — a thick band of fascia running from the hip to the outside of the knee — becomes irritated where it crosses the lateral femoral epicondyle. It is one of the most common causes of lateral (outside) knee pain, particularly in runners, cyclists, and hikers.

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) causes pain around or behind the kneecap and is often caused by abnormal tracking of the patella, hip weakness, poor running mechanics, or training errors. Both conditions are closely related to hip and core strength deficits, biomechanical faults, and training load management.

At NeoLife Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach that addresses not just the painful knee, but the entire kinetic chain — from the hip and core to the foot and ankle — to resolve current symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Your NeoLife therapist will perform a running-specific evaluation including gait analysis, hip strength testing, single-leg balance assessment, and biomechanical screening to identify the factors driving your knee pain.

Treatment includes manual therapy to the hip, knee, and ankle joints, functional dry needling of the IT band, quadriceps, and hip musculature, hip and core strengthening programs (the most evidence-supported treatment), running gait retraining, progressive return-to-running protocols, and training load management education.

The key to successful treatment of IT band syndrome and runner's knee is addressing the underlying hip weakness and biomechanical faults — not just stretching or foam rolling the IT band. NeoLife's one-on-one model ensures your therapist can analyze your movement in detail and progress your program optimally.