IT Band Challenge: May ‘ 22

IT Band Challenge: May ‘ 22

This challenge is all about expanding our understanding
as much as it is about exercising the iliotibial band… 

What is it?

“The iliotibial band (IT band) is also known as the iliotibial tract or Maissiat’s band. It’s a long piece of connective tissue, or fascia, that runs along the outside of your leg from the hip to the knee and shinbone. The IT band helps to extend, abduct, and rotate your hip. It also helps to stabilize and move the side of your knee while protecting the outer thigh.” (Courtesy of Healthline)

Simple Informative Overview

Here is a short, clear overview of the anatomy of the iliotibial band.

Overview and PT Stretches

This video also offers a clear overview of what the IT band is and how it affects your body when it is tight. In addition a few PT stretches are demoed.

Yoga Practice & IT Band

In each of our classes we work directly and indirectly with the IT band. Some of the primary posed include: eye of the needle (leg version), revolved triangle, pigeon pose, cow’s face posture, and more. These poses and others are nicely discussed and displayed in the following articles.

Yoga Journal Article on IT Band

Working A Tight IT Band

A Few Poses for the IT Band