Michele,
 
I completely can relate to your frustration.  Like I mentioned on a previous
post, I had no success treating my ITBS with my first PT since he didn't
understand bio-mechanics.  He focused on stretching the ITB and ultrasound which
doesn't work to fix the underlying issues that cause the problem. 
 
After my positive experiences with my new PT and tireless reading on this
subject, I am now convinced that the only way to get over ITBS is fixing the
bio-mechanic issues that caused it to begin with: i.e. foot pronation, worn
shoes, hip alignment, etc.  My humble suggestion to you would be to find a new
PT that understands bio-mechanics and can address your specific needs without
guesswork.  If you really like your current PT, it still couldn't hurt to get a
second opinion from a different PT (make sure to ask lots of questions about
their methodology and knowledge of ITBS before even seeing them).  It is
unlikely that generic ITB stretches and exercises are going to fix your problem;
in fact many argue that the ITB cannot be "stretched" using stretching
exercises.  
 
I have confirmed other people's opinions on this forum that using the foam
roller daily, especially before exercises really helps.  I think the "overuse"
cause for ITB is really an exacerbation of underlying bio-mech issues that are
magnified when putting the body under extra stress.
 
I asked my PT about deep tissue massage and he thought is was sort of a waste of
money since proper use of the foam roller does a similar thing to loosen up the
ITB and you can do it more often.
 
I feel like I turned a corner with my ITBS and I am on the road to recovery but
I am also wise enough to know this is a tricky condition that can come back if I
am not careful...
 
Good luck with your recovery-
 
Best Regards,
Scott Christensen
 
     
--- On Wed, 4/8/09, mdougherty22000 <mdougherty22000@...> wrote:


From: mdougherty22000 <mdougherty22000@...>
Subject: [itbs] Online Tutorial
To: itbs@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 8:44 AM






I bought the online tutorial for $14.95. It was somewhat useful. I'm not sure it
has changed anything about my treatment. I can't say that I think it is worth
paying for.

Since my version of ITBS came upon me while I was going to PT for something else
I have a hard time relating to the concept of overuse being behind it all.

I will be seeing an old friend who is a myotherapist (pressure point) on Monday.
I saw her once just before the ITB kicked in. Before the ITB my PT was of the
opinion that my hamstring problem was not the main difficulty. He thought (and
still does) that I had a nerve problem and weakness of my hip flexors.

I'll let you know if the myotherapy helps the ITB. I'm starting to feel that the
side plank exercise at PT may be the culprit because they increased the number
of them I did at my last PT appointment. It always feels worse after PT. I am
done with PT now. I will continue to do the core exercises they gave me to do at
home.

My best to all of you,

Michele Dougherty



















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