IT bands syndrome, now that I have it, I have learned that it is very common amoung athletes. And when it gets bad, it does cause knee pain. The great news is it is fixable!

I have been going to Endurance Rehab in Scottsdale, Nate the director has been "scraping" my IT bands for the last three weeks. The bruising is bad, and I mean really bad. He uses a plexiglass tool and digs on the side of the thighs and the knees. Incredibly painful but incredibly effective.

Runners get this most commonly, but many cyclists do too. I have learned a lot of core exercises with the rubber bands and gym ball to strengthen my hamstrings, quads, gluts and abs. And it is definitely helping. I could not even ride ten minutes three weeks ago, now I rode an hour the day before last. And of course, my foam roller/quadballer after I exercise, followed by stretching and icing.

So, from now on, a two day a week routine of core exercises. I am getting my bike fit checked by him on Friday, and I think I will be good to go. This has been darn expensive, since insurance companies copays have gone way up.

Lisa