Iliotibial Band Syndrome Advanced Exercise Programme
Aim to perform this programme a minimum of once per day unless prescribed otherwise. As with any new exercise, start slowly (repetitions as able) and build up as you are able within the guidelines below.
Pain should not exceed 3/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.
1. Single leg hip bridge
- Lie on you back on the floor or bed with your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet on the floor and your arms down by your side.
- Whilst keeping the knees in line with the foot and hip, kick the resting leg out straight so that it is off the floor.
- Push your heels down into the floor to gently lift your hips upwards. Lift as high as you feel comfortable but no higher than a straight line between hips, knees and shoulders – aim to keep the pelvis level throughout.
- Once your hips form a straight line with the shoulders and knees, hold for 5 seconds before slowly lowering your hips back down.
2. Single leg squat
- Start by standing with all the weight on one leg.
- Bend the knee and the same time bend the hip as if you were sitting back into a chair.
- Go down until the standing knee is approximately at a right angle.
- Slowly return to an upright position and repeat.
3. Raised split squat
- For this exercise, you will need a secure raised surface behind you such as a small step.
- Stand upright in front of the surface facing away from it.
- Transfer your weight on to the target leg and place the foot of the trailing leg up on the small step.
- Bend the knee and hip of the standing leg so that your hips lower directly downwards to the point where the trailing knee is just off the floor.
- Hold for 3 seconds before squeezing the buttock and thigh muscles to straighten the standing leg – do not forcibly lock out the knee.
We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.
More Plans
This programme focuses on better recruitment of the gluteal muscles, as well as increasing the flexibility of the thigh muscles and hip rotators. It must be understood that whilst pain during and after these exercises cannot be totally avoided, a significant increase in pain is not desirable and can in fact hinder progress. Pain should not exceed 3/10 on your perceived pain scale.
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More focus is given to the strength of the hip muscles and single-leg stability. Again, it must be understood that whilst pain during and after these exercises cannot be totally avoided, a significant increase in pain is not desirable and can in fact hinder progress. Pain should not exceed 4/10 on your perceived pain scale.
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