Understanding Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Knee Pain

Following on from our blog post on Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Chris Andreano explains what it is and why it occurs.

Full Video Transcript

Hi, folks, I’m down here at the clinic at St. Leonards today. And I wanted to introduce you all briefly to a problem that we see very often in the clinic here. And it’s called ITB Friction Syndrome. And it’s a problem associated with overload and irritation of the iliotibial band, this piece of connective tissue that runs down the side of the thigh. And it connects a number of muscles through the hip. It sort of connects those muscles down to the knee and they all contribute via this tissue in a stability and a control sense.

Now, it very, very commonly gets overloaded in trainers and runners and particularly because they’re doing too much. They’ve sort of chosen to progress their training too quickly without the appropriate progressions. And this tissue gets quite irritated. The other thing that can contribute to this problem is deficits in strength and mobility and flexibility in other parts of the body, not only at the knee. But, in particular at the ankle, below the knee, and at the hip above the knee, and even deficits and control around the spine as well.

So, when we put those two things together, overtraining and some deficits, that’s what can really lead this problem to developing. I think it’s good for you all to know the basics about how these problems develop. And then, you know, that might give you some guidance about how to get it right. Okay, now, the next video you’ll see will be a couple of simple tips to try and address this problem at home. And then we can go from there. Thanks for watching, guys.

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Jacques O’Hearn

M.Physio (Physiotherapy) B.App.Sc (exercise and Sports Science)

Jacques is a physiotherapist with a strong foundation in exercise science and several years of experience delivering exercise-based rehabilitation in both individual and group settings. After completing his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Sydney, he went on to graduate with a Master of Physiotherapy from UTS, gaining broad clinical experience across musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, and neurological settings.

Jacques takes a thoughtful and collaborative approach to treatment, focusing on clear assessment, patient education, and evidence-based exercise rehabilitation. He enjoys helping people return to the activities they love, striving to make rehabilitation meaningful, achievable, and tailored to each individual. His experience in delivering structured exercise programs has strengthened his ability to coach movement effectively, progress programs safely, and support people of all fitness levels.

In the clinic, Jacques combines hands-on therapy with targeted strength and conditioning and movement retraining. He values good communication, rapport building, and empowering patients with the tools and confidence they need to manage their health long-term.

Outside of work, Jacques enjoys spending time at the beach, playing golf, participating in social sports and strength training, and exploring the Northern Beaches with his wife.

Jacques O'hearn - Physio