Iliotibial Band Assessment
Assessment and diagnosis of Iliotibial band friction syndrome or runners knee
Assessment & Diagnosis
Assessment of any injury should include questions concerning the patients general health, previous injuries and current injury. The aim of these questions is to determine which structure may be causing the pain and what treatment is appropriate.
The therapist will then perform a physical assessment to help determine which structures are causing the pain and what might have contributed to the development of the injury.
Palpation of the Iliotibial band
The therapist will feel up and down the length of the IT band, assessing its general tension and feeling for any tight spots. They will also be looking for tender areas around the outer knee.
Obers Test
Obers test is used to assess IT band tightness. The patient is in a side-lying position, with the leg to be tested on top. The therapist will stabilise the pelvis with one hand, whilst they extend the hip with the other. They will then allow the hip to fall down towards the table (abduction). A positive result is noted if the leg moves down less than 10 degrees from horizontal.
As well as these very specific tests, the therapist will probably also look at the range of motion at the hip and knee joints. This will demonstrate how tight the surrounding muscles are, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteals. These muscles are commonly tight in cases of ITB syndrome.
The therapist should also observe the patient when standing and walking to check if they overpronate.
