Need Help - Significant IT Band Problem

[bblazer]

There are many little things that I have to overcome or get better at to make more progress in my sport, but I have one big one that it really derailing me, and I don't know what to do. I have done a lot of research, spoken to Doctors, trainers (real ones) and other strength athletes. All of them just shake their heads and say they wish they could help.

My problem is with my IT bands. When I am doing a running event wile carrying a heavy load, I get very extreme, tearing pain midway up my IT band almost exactly in the middle between my hip and knee. For example, on a yoke run, I can go to 600 before it starts to kick in, or around 265 on farmers. The heavier the weight the worse it gets, until I get to the point that taking only a few steps makes me drop the implement.

I have tried rolling before during and after, lots of lineaments, and futile attempts at stretching it - I do not believe you can really stretch an IT band.

I have a theory that what I may be dealing with here is actually weak hip abductors. As the weights get bigger my knees want to buckle inwards to each other and the IT bands are taking the load.

Does that make sense? Or am I way off base?

The second part to this, is that if it is that, I have no idea how in the hell I am supposed to strengthen the hip abductors. Not long ago, just for kicks I jumped on that machine designed for middle aged women to read magazines on while they "work out", and there is no way in hell I can get enough weight to do anything under 50 reps before I even feel anything.

I am open to any ideas, thoughts, or even something that may point me in the direction of a solution.

Thanks!

B-

 

[timtim]

There are many little things that I have to overcome or get better at to make more progress in my sport, but I have one big one that it really derailing me, and I don't know what to do. I have done a lot of research, spoken to Doctors, trainers (real ones) and other strength athletes. All of them just shake their heads and say they wish they could help.

My problem is with my IT bands. When I am doing a running event wile carrying a heavy load, I get very extreme, tearing pain midway up my IT band almost exactly in the middle between my hip and knee. For example, on a yoke run, I can go to 600 before it starts to kick in, or around 265 on farmers. The heavier the weight the worse it gets, until I get to the point that taking only a few steps makes me drop the implement.

I have tried rolling before during and after, lots of lineaments, and futile attempts at stretching it - I do not believe you can really stretch an IT band.

I have a theory that what I may be dealing with here is actually weak hip abductors. As the weights get bigger my knees want to buckle inwards to each other and the IT bands are taking the load.

Does that make sense? Or am I way off base?

The second part to this, is that if it is that, I have no idea how in the hell I am supposed to strengthen the hip abductors. Not long ago, just for kicks I jumped on that machine designed for middle aged women to read magazines on while they "work out", and there is no way in hell I can get enough weight to do anything under 50 reps before I even feel anything.

I am open to any ideas, thoughts, or even something that may point me in the direction of a solution.

Thanks!

B-

collapsing knees would be more indicative of a weak vmo in both or either one of your knees. you are correct, the IT can't be stretched. this is interesting as there, in your opinion, seems to be a correlation between the higher weight and increased pain. this is a tough one. im wondering (and this is just wondering, not sure it would even do anything) if an mri would be useful to see if there is tearing along the IT band. micro tears could be extremely painful, especially in such a dense, fibrous tissue and the increasing load causing increased pain. good luck. wish i could help more.

 

[bblazer]

collapsing knees would be more indicative of a weak vmo in both or either one of your knees. you are correct, the IT can't be stretched. this is interesting as there, in your opinion, seems to be a correlation between the higher weight and increased pain. this is a tough one. im wondering (and this is just wondering, not sure it would even do anything) if an mri would be useful to see if there is tearing along the IT band. micro tears could be extremely painful, especially in such a dense, fibrous tissue and the increasing load causing increased pain. good luck. wish i could help more.

An MRI is on my list. If nothing else, it will help rule out other problems that I am not thinking of.

Your idea of micro tears is interesting. And considering the makeup of the tissue involved, I am sure that it would have limited blood flow, leading to difficult healing.

Thanks,
B-

 

[V-Opolis]

try these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9aJtO0VCqw

 

[bblazer]

try these

YouTube - How to Stretch Your IT Band and Glutes | Foam Roller

Thanks!

As I mentioned I have done (and still do) all the rolling, but those were some stretches that I was not aware of and will give them a try.

One thing that keeps popping into my head though is that this is some sort of weakness since as the weight goes up, it goes from no pain to crippling pain.

B-

 

[Andalite]

Have you spoken to Eric Cressey or Mike Robertson about this? They are probably two of the BEST guys to talk to about injuries and injury prevention.

I have never experienced your issue but I suffer from genetically lose shoulder joints which are prone to EXTREMELY painful dislocations. Every single sports doctor I went to turned me away as a lost cause. There were only 2 people who helped me get back in the saddle: Eric Troy from GUStrength and Eric Cressey. These two personally helped me and by helped me I mean NURSED me back to shape without asking for a dime.

My advice to you is to contact Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson (because his DVD + eBook Bulletproof Knees are awesome products).

 

[bblazer]

Have you spoken to Eric Cressey or Mike Robertson about this? They are probably two of the BEST guys to talk to about injuries and injury prevention.

I have never experienced your issue but I suffer from genetically lose shoulder joints which are prone to EXTREMELY painful dislocations. Every single sports doctor I went to turned me away as a lost cause. There were only 2 people who helped me get back in the saddle: Eric Troy from GUStrength and Eric Cressey. These two personally helped me and by helped me I mean NURSED me back to shape without asking for a dime.

My advice to you is to contact Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson (because his DVD + eBook Bulletproof Knees are awesome products).

I haven't spoken to either of them. Its worth a shot.

Thanks!

B-

 

[Andalite]

I haven't spoken to either of them. Its worth a shot.

Thanks!

B-

Yes you should definitely speak to either (or preferably BOTH) coaches as soon as you can. They will help you get the treatment you need. Until you have spoken to these people I assure you that all hope is not lost.