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Iliotibial band tightness

J C Gose, P Schweizer

    The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
    |January 1, 1989
    PubMed

    Iliotibial band (ITB) tightness is clinically present in many musculoskeletal patients. Previous generations and recent third world clinicians have seen ITB and many other lower extremity changes in polio populations. More recently, the ITB has been the popularized culprit of a "friction syndrome" in runners. These are but two clinical presentations of involvement of ITB tightness. A thorough understanding of the anatomical, biomechanical, and pathological presentations of the ITB enables the clinician to better understand, evaluate, and conservatively treat the myriad of patients with this tightness. The purpose of this paper is to present an historical review of the literature concerning the ITB; review the anatomy, biomechanics and clinical pathological presentations; and present the evaluation and treatment regimens that have been used very successfully in managing ITB tightness in the minimal to moderate range. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 10(10):399-407.

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