IT Band Syndrome Treatment in Brooklyn
If you’re searching for IT band syndrome treatment in Brooklyn, you may be experiencing sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee that worsens with walking downhill, running, squatting, or prolonged activity.
At Form & Function Chiropractic, we evaluate and treat iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome using a structured, load-based approach. When appropriate, we integrate extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), radial EPAT®, EMTT, and targeted rehabilitation to address tissue irritation and restore lateral knee capacity.
IT band syndrome is not simply “tightness.” It is a load-related compression and irritation condition at the lateral knee that requires precise diagnosis and progressive management.
Our goal is an accurate diagnosis and durable symptom resolution—not temporary relief.
Understanding Different Types of Knee Pain
Knee pain can originate from different structures. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.
ACL Injury
Typically associated with instability, swelling, and acute trauma.
IT Band Syndrome
Lateral (outside) knee pain that worsens with repetitive flexion.
Meniscus Injury
Mechanical symptoms such as catching, locking, or joint line pain.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Diffuse pain around or behind the kneecap.
Pain localized directly at the patellar tendon, often load-related.
A structured clinical evaluation helps determine the true pain generator.
What Is IT Band Syndrome?
The iliotibial band is a thick fascial structure running from the hip to the outside of the knee.
IT band syndrome occurs when repetitive knee flexion and extension cause compression and irritation near the lateral femoral condyle.
It commonly affects:
Runners
Cyclists
Hikers
Active adults increasing mileage
Individuals with hip weakness or altered mechanics
Symptoms typically include:
Pain on the outside of the knee
Pain that worsens with downhill activity
Tenderness at the lateral knee
Pain after a specific mileage or time threshold
IT Band Syndrome vs Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Lateral or outer knee pain is not always IT band syndrome.
Two common causes of activity-related knee pain include iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome.
IT Band Syndrome
Pain on the outside of the knee
Often sharp or burning
Worsens with downhill walking or running
Tender over the lateral femoral condyle
Pain appears after a predictable mileage or time threshold
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Pain around or behind the kneecap
Often described as diffuse or aching
Worse with stairs or prolonged sitting
Not specifically tender over the IT band
Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment strategies differ significantly.
IT band syndrome often requires lateral load modification and hip strength correction.
Patellofemoral pain typically requires patellar tracking optimization and movement retraining.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may benefit from evaluation if you:
Have persistent lateral knee pain
Experience pain after a predictable activity threshold
Have failed rest-only approaches
Notice recurring symptoms during training cycles
Want to avoid injections or prolonged inactivity
Why IT Band Syndrome Develops
IT band syndrome is usually multifactorial.
Contributing factors may include:
Rapid increase in mileage
Downhill running
Hip abductor weakness
Poor gluteal control
Reduced ankle mobility
Training errors
Surface changes
It is often a load-capacity mismatch, not simply a flexibility issue.
Foam rolling alone rarely resolves persistent cases.
Our Treatment Approach in Brooklyn
At Form & Function Chiropractic, treatment may include:
Focused Shockwave Therapy (When Indicated)
Targets areas of focal tissue irritation near the lateral femoral condyle.
Radial EPAT®
Addresses broader fascial overload patterns.
EMTT
Supports tissue recovery and complements mechanical stimulation.
Movement & Strength Correction
We emphasize:
Hip abductor strength
Gluteal control
Load progression strategy
Running mechanics assessment
Successful recovery requires restoring capacity—not just reducing inflammation.
Related Knee Conditions
Lateral knee pain is not the only source of activity-related discomfort. Other knee conditions we commonly evaluate and treat include:
Meniscus irritation or injury
Knee osteoarthritis
Accurate diagnosis ensures treatment is directed to the correct structure and not just the area of symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy help IT band syndrome?
Shockwave therapy may help reduce tissue irritation in chronic cases when combined with strength and load correction.
Should I stretch my IT band?
The IT band itself is not easily stretched. Strength and load modification are often more effective than aggressive stretching.
Can I keep running with IT band syndrome?
In some cases, activity can continue with modifications. A structured plan prevents worsening symptoms.
Is IT band syndrome the same as runner’s knee?
No. IT band syndrome causes lateral knee pain, while runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) typically causes pain around or behind the kneecap.
Why Patients in Brooklyn Choose Form & Function Chiropractic
Precision regenerative shockwave therapy
Structured load-based rehabilitation
In-house diagnostic ultrasound when indicated
Experience treating lower extremity overuse injuries
Non-surgical knee pain solutions
We address both tissue irritation and the biomechanical contributors driving it.