IT Band Syndrome

For patients in the early stages (within one month of onset), improvement can sometimes be achieved with rest, physical therapy, and stretching alone. However, if fibrosis or adhesions have progressed or if structural imbalances are present, it may take 12 to 16 weeks. A stepwise approach to returning to running is recommended, progressing from pain-free walking to flat-ground jogging, and finally to incline running. Adhering to the principle of increasing weekly training volume by no more than 10% for the first six weeks after returning helps lower the recurrence rate. From a Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective, the prognosis depends on the abundance of blood hydrating the muscles and the vital energy stored in the kidneys. Young patients with sufficient physical strength show rapid improvement with 3 to 5 sessions of acupuncture; however, for middle-aged or older patients accompanied by frailty, combining herbal medicine to replenish Qi and blood is necessary to accelerate recovery. At Dongjedang, during the initial consultation, we assess the deficiency or excess of the liver and kidneys as well as the degree of blood stagnation to provide personalized guidance on treatment stages and return timing. Once pain-free walking is confirmed, we collaboratively establish a plan for resuming training in stages.