Your email caught my eye.

I originally saw a PT for my ITBS and went through a very similar experience
as you. My PT thought ITBS was (at least in my case) a very minor muscle
problem. Nope. You need someone who KNOWS ITBS and how chronic it can be
without good treatment and maintenance.

If you plan to do this on August 4th you need to find that expert. Your
best bet will be a person who is certified in ART (Active Release
Technique). There is a web site (might be activerelease.com) where you can
do a provider search. See them now and you've got a good chance for Aug.
4th.
Also, it's the hips and glutes that need to be strengthened - if your person
isn't focusing on that, they are wrong.

My ART provider (in my case, a chiropractor) sees people regularly with
ITBS. She herself experienced it years ago and is currently a marathoner
running 100+ miles a week. She sees many cyclists and one thing she just
told me last time I saw her is that seat height is an important factor in
eliminating strain on your ITBand. She has a cycyling person she sends
people to evaluate this - just some info for you to consider.

The pain does come and go as you are experiencing. Some people do feel it a
lot on stairs and during other activities, but yours may not be that
aggravated.

Good luck.

Jean



_____

From: itbs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:itbs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matt
Roca
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 3:20 PM
To: itbs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [itbs] ITBS problem



Hi all,

I've been training for the Pan Mass Challenge, a charity that supports
the Jimmy Fund - my route is an 84-mile ride on August 4th.

I've recently been diagnosed with ITBS, and have gone to my PCP, an
orthopedic specialist, and have been in physical therapy for the past
4 weeks.

After riding, I feel pain in the IT-band for a day or more afterwards.

What I've been reading online lately is in contrast with what I've
been hearing from my Physical Therapist. He is telling me to try
different things on the bike and he has me doing all sorts of
stretching but says that I should continue to try cycling. Lately
I've been unable to ride more than 4-5 miles without feeling a
problem. When I asked him if there's something that needs to "heal"
he said that he doesn't think so... says that if that was the case I'd
be feeling pain every time I went up or down stairs or other activity
involving the knee.

Looking to hear from others on your experience with ITBS...

Does my PT know what he's talking about?
What do you think my chances are of doing the ride on August 4th?





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