Non-Operative — Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Activity modification initially; avoid aggravating activities (downhill running, prolonged cycling); address hip weakness and biomechanical contributors; differential diagnosis table included

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): acute phase, relative rest, modalities, gentle ITB/hip flexor stretching, hip abductor activation; Phase II (2-4 wks): progressive hip and knee strengthening, proprioception, stationary bike pain-free; Phase III (4-8 wks): return-to-run criteria, sport-specific training, address training errors

Notes

Revised November 2021; includes differential diagnosis table; emphasizes hip abductor and external rotator strengthening; addresses training load and biomechanics. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-01-22.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine

Published

2021-11