IT Band Syndrome

Less than 5% of cases of iliotibial band syndrome require surgery (iliotibial band release or partial resection). Even in chronic patients, conservative treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, PRP, and steroid injections are often sufficient. However, if the condition persists for more than 6 months, significant fibrosis may have already occurred, requiring treatment that induces changes in tissue structure. From a Korean medicine perspective, chronic iliotibial band syndrome is a stubborn condition characterized by numbness and pain resulting from the combination of stagnant blood and dampness; therefore, simple anti-inflammatory measures alone cannot resolve the root cause. We implement a three-stage external treatment plan: separating hardened adhesions with needle acupuncture, repeatedly stimulating anti-inflammatory and regenerative signals with bee venom and pharmacopuncture, and sustaining collagen reformation with thread lifting. Simultaneously, we build a foundation for tissue regeneration by replenishing deficiencies in the liver and kidneys using herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution. Many patients with a history of more than 6 months show significant improvement after 3 months of intensive treatment.