Is foam rolling your ITB effective?

Foam-rolling is designed to work on the myo-fascial system, consisting of muscle (myo) and it’s connective tissue (fascia).

The ITB (Iliotibial band) is a long and thick band of non-contractile tissue that runs down the outside of the top of your leg.

The ITB involves fibres of both your gluteus maximus (buttock) and tensor fascia lata (muscle just below the hip).

These muscles have high contractile components (structures that respond well to foam-rolling) and have direct attachments to the ITB.

So instead of focusing on the ITB (a non-contractile structure), you’ll get more bang for your buck by releasing gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata (the contractile structures) in order to reduce ITB tightness.

For more information or to discuss if ITB tightness could be the cause of your discomfort, contact our Osteopath Dr. Anne-Marie Noble today.