Massage Tutorial: Myofascial release for IT band pain

[@Elegantchoco-lit]

I wish you could be my mentor! You’re sooo knowledgable I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for four years now. It’s such amazing work I can’t believe how much I love it. It’s never ending information in this line of work.

[@lusrinu]

i followed this technique and it got resolved in 1 HOUR. great video. you published this information freely on youtube. you are god on earth

[@scottiusnevious4838]

And you are going to hell for that comment lmao

[@barbaraann7610]

I have been to at least 30 massage therapists, 10 physical therapists, and 12 MFR experts. You outshine them all!

[@johny19851]

man you are great that you sharing all your knowledge in those fantastic videos...i almost saw them all...helping me to improve my technique and i learned a lot from you! usually people want to sell their cd's or make money. Knowledge should be free ! One day you teacher, next day you student. We need to share and help each other.... i hope karma gets back to you very soon! All the best

[@MassageSloth]

+janka bananka Thanks so much! I agree, the more we share, the more we all benefit. Though I may sell some stuff one of these days :) Cheers

[@barbaraann7610]

Just did the first half of this on myself and the leg feels almost free! It's been killing me for 2 weeks. Knee pain and hip pain, painful to walk; and now it's going away. How can I thank you, Mr. Harvey?

[@Vintagea88]

This has been helpful and informative, and I also appreciate the level of professionalism.

[@Vintagea88]

P.S. I need this badly, how can I do these techniques on myself?

[@MassageSloth]

If you were to implement some brief daily foam rolling of the legs and hips, I think you'd likely get some benefit! I talk about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qbZ4d5jbCGb9k (the main tip is to be nice as you do so, and to limit the time and intensity rather than trying to tenderize yourself). A bit of daily muscle mashing can be quite useful, as can a little bit of stretching after. In all things, be kind to yourself.

[@Vintagea88]

@@MassageSloth Thank you so much! Runners love self torture, I appreciate the reminder to be kind to myself. I’m headed to that link right now!

[@ianprescott7579]

Brilliant very informative video... taught at the right speed (for me) perfect for my learning. Thank you Ian

[@MassageSloth]

I appreciate it, other Ian!

[@LoveLove-lm2wz]

Thank you! I have already been to a Medical Doctor and Chiropractor. They do not understand. I purchased a knotted foam roller and have been using a rolling pin. They both seem to be helping. Pain has subsided but top of knee is still numb. Have a good weekend!

[@gstone1345]

Nice upload. Thanks for video, it answered a few questions i have had about my legs from cycling

[@mainettizak]

wow this is awesome, the out side of my knee have been hurting for 5 days, and it kept getting worse as I continued to work, going up and down the stairs, I spent the whole weekend sitting in the couch hoping that the pain would go away, until I decided to look for an answer, I massaged myself sitting in the chair and by the and of the video I felt no pain, thanks allot!

[@NOBODY-ws3ui]

Thanks Ian for the information on how to sooth this on going pain.

[@purerelaxation2011]

Those are the exact techniques I use on my clients. I would love a massage from you!

[@juditibarrolamoreno8683]

I love your sensitive work. Thank's for sharing

[@margaretcooper6145]

Hi Ian, thanks for the great videos and presentation, so very informative. Can you please give some ideas about how you work with hairy body parts without creating too much drag and discomfort?

[@alohaleslie9407]

Aloha! As a runner/massage therapist, I've noticed that if I have low back pain located near my SI joint that I can't resolve with my usual stretching methods, I will lie supine, and medially/laterally rock my femur while simultaneously placing my thumb over over the ASIS/TFL area. Pain is gone almost immediately. Great techniques!!!! :)))

[@MassageSloth]

+Aloha Leslie Ooh, nice tip Leslie! I appreciate the comments and insight :)

[@marion8085]

Fabulous videos TY for sharing! You are a true caring lmt

[@candicesirju551]

wow ... this is exactly what i am dealing with right now ... wish i could find a massage therapist in my country that can do exactly this for me :) ty for sharing

[@khaliac2699]

So you would flick the tfl off of vastus lateralis? Not sure if I’m referring to a different treatment or not 🙄

[@cherylbochniewicz4128]

Ian - you are a very gifted teacher. Thank you! Perhaps a silly question, but did you apply any oil? I'm assuming not but wanted to confirm. Also, those with hair (such as men). What's the best way to do this work? I, obviously, do not want to pull hair! Apply a tiny bit of oil or lotion as needed? I'm very excited to watch your other videos. Thank you!

[@jennmcg4068]

Absolutely Amazing video! I love how clear and detailed you teach! Thank you for your expertise in all things Massage!

[@touemma2399]

I learned a lot from yr video thanks for sharing yr knowledge

[@TheLaszlo5876]

I'm paying little over $ 14000 for my second year for the so called advanced techniques program and I can tell you that those teachers are not even coming close to this guy .. ! Just sayin....

[@jaketoffen2454]

Sounds like a rip off...

[@TheJpep2424]

Sounds like you responded to a 6 year old comment.

[@scottiusnevious4838]

Money well spent it sounds like…

[@jjuxe3338]

First of all I'm a huge fan.... 'cause you're awesome.. obviously. I was wondering if it might not be a good idea to only work proximal to distal on the IT band. there just doesn't seem to be much going on in the way of blood supply at that distal attachment so working distal to proximal seems like it would add more stress to that already stressed tendon attachment. ?? Just a theory. Had it for years and just was hoping I haven't been cheating any clients by it. Thanks again for all your help! You do have a gift for teaching well my friend!

[@amicon1950]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@jaminhostetler2471]

your videos are stellar !! keep it up !

[@mainettizak]

Hi, I've been feeling tingling on my upper back for a few years now, my doctor said it would go away, it does but it always come back, please let me know if there's a massage the can help, thanks.

[@MassageSloth]

mainettizak Massage may be able to help! I know it's strange, but there's no specific technique that I recommend for back pain (or nerve sensation, etc). Some massage therapists claim to be able to "break up knots," break adhesions, deactivate trigger points, etc., but I think all of that is overblown. Just look for a massage therapist who knows the body, and who can communicate in such a way that you are comfortable at all times. It may take several sessions, but massage is good for calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation. It's certainly worth a try. Best of luck!

[@onedirection3510]

Excellent work! On point, intelligent and clearly explained. 👍 Personally I cannot relate to doing massage in almost business casual attire (especially a few clients in a row) but to each his own lol!

[@Deerector]

Great video Ian. Thanks.

[@msbt3]

Loved the video! Great techniques!

[@delilaha]

ROCK THE LEG!! :D Seriously though, this is great. I wrecked my IT band in a mosh pit in '09. I can now tell you if it's going to rain because it acts up when the air pressure changes. I swear! It also acts up if I walk a lot. If it keeps acting up, do you think that maybe I just walk funny? My left leg is a little bigger than the right one. O.o

[@Chydova]

What are other suggestions if you don't habebtgat relationship with the client, what would you do instead of placings your knee on their foot?

[@SR-dy5zm]

Excellent stuff. Thank you so much for the helpful information!

[@the_adventurershub]

I have IT band syndrome past 1yr. It's very stubborn and tried many exercises still couldn't get any relief and I stay alone could you please tell me some techniques how to massage the IT band by yourself?

[@michellehorner2879]

I just found your channel amd have only been practicing massage therapy for 2 years, so thank you for your videos. Also I am looking for some guidance on massage techniques for a client with Spastic Cerebral Palsy with a right arm contracture.

[@MassageSloth]

Mostly realize that your client's arm contracture is mediated both by structural and functional elements (see this study for a good review: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258234/ ), with nervous system differences leading the way. In other words, don't think about trying to break down scar tissue or changing the structure of the arm; it is bound up by tight muscle and collagen, yes, but it wound up that way due to hyperactive stretch reflexes that are still present, and which will be resistant to change. So, my recommendation here is to work with the arm in a way that mobilizes the joints and tissue in ways that are comfortable and that will provide new stimuli that aren't likely to occur during your client's day to day life. This might mean very minimal movements in order to avoid provoking a pain or spasm response, with gentle rocking and squeezing of the hand, forearm, and upper arm, and shoulder. This might seem like too little to have a "real effect," but realize that these tissues have been mostly contracted and isolated for many years, and new stimulus to the local tissue and new information for the spinal cord to consider might be enough to allow an appreciable drop in resting tone and increase in tissue perfusion. Even without that, regular interaction could help resolve discomfort by damping down sensitivity, even if nothing changes about the tissue at all. Let your client lead the way, let them tell you what has worked in the past and give you ideas for what you might try, and realize that the area might be emotionally fraught as well; be sensitive to any feelings of protectiveness or alienation that your client might have toward their arm. That's not something for us to fix, but it can be something to keep in mind and honor as we work with a rarely touched part of the body. Let me know if that helped and if you have any other questions!

[@donjamesanderson]

Great instructional video.

[@pattyjones3211]

Can this treatment be done after a Total Hip Replacement? I am 8 months post-op and still having terrible pain in the gluteus min and medius region. It feels like my muscles are contracting and shortening my leg.

[@MassageSloth]

Hi Patty, it definitely can. You may have slightly different range of motion than other people (your ability to rotate your hip while your leg is bent may be different, for instance), but your massage therapist can still work with the muscles that cross your hip joint while changing the angle of your femur. Your best bet might be to look for experienced massage therapists who have worked with a total hip replacement or two, so ask around before committing. Best of luck!

[@pattyjones3211]

Thank you 😊

[@reginasliuzas6480]

Very clear and helpful.

[@kathymaclaren2711]

Sometimes when the client is prone, and the hip is externally rotated, the same side ilium will lift off the table.. What strokes would you use for that and what causes it?

[@michaelanthonyz]

I have Multiple Sclerosis and the symptoms of ITB syndrome. An MD orthopedic surgeon diagnosed ITB in a 3 minute office visit. I have tried botox and cortisone injections. Your video is helpful when my husband follows it exxactly but the pain relief only lasts a short while. I have never been a sports person or a runner. Do you know anyone like me? What would you do for them? What kind of doctor would you recommend for someone like me? Thanks Judy

[@reneedufresne553]

I love the techniques, however it would be nice to see a online tutorial with a real size person....man large person. Those are the knees that are difficult to massage.Thank you

[@MassageSloth]

+renee dufresne I'll definitely keep this in mind for the future! When I say, "this is my friend so-and-so" at the beginning, I mean it :) These are my fellow massage therapists and grad students, so I take what I can get. I'll certainly keep an eye toward diversity in the future.

[@johnnybrown4052]

Ur the best brother

[@brodygoalie]

If I were to get a cortisone shot to a very tight TFL due to very bad pain-exactly where should the shot go into?? THX

[@MassageSloth]

+brodygoalie I'm afraid this is outside of my scope of practice as a massage therapist. A medical doctor would be able to evaluate you and refer you properly. Best of luck!

[@brodygoalie]

+Massage Sloth Do you have another vid for the massage of the TFL or is this Vid the best on the TFL?? My TFL is very tight causing lower back pain plus my IT band is very tight and stiffness in my outer left knee too!! THX

[@michaeldooley5331]

Ian, please tell me your opinion on starting strokes from the sit bone going distally. I get much more leverage going downhill and my old shoulder is happier. Thanks!

[@MassageSloth]

Michael Dooley It is forbidden!! Going away from the heart?! Their leg will explode! :-) But seriously, I say go for it. It might be wise to take it easy with proximal-to-distal strokes in clients with a compromised circulatory system (lots of varicosities, easy bruising, edema), but a bit of distal pressure is something that most vasculature can handle easily. Structural integration types do it all the time without provoking jets of arterial spray. In fact, man... getting work down from the ischial tuberosity probably feels really good. Now I want a massage.

[@michaeldooley5331]

I am really happy now!

[@barbaraann7610]

You are awesome! Where are you? I need a massage therapist like you!

[@ryans1577]

My left patellar tendon has been 'pushed in' horizontally backwards; because i used to sit with my knee flush up against the metal bar of a table, pushing it in. If i think of moving my knee, or extend then retract, over and over, I can feel pressure build up in the knee, then it will pop. no pain though. I think my knee is unstable; how would i go about 'pushing' the patellar tendon back to where it should be?

[@MassageSloth]

+Ryan Sell I know of no manipulation techniques that can change how the patella tracks. I'd recommend seeing a doctor for evaluation. In the mean time, using a knee brace while you work out (or any time that you feel knee instability during the day) is a safe self-treatment strategy that may relieve some of your discomfort. Best of luck!

[@ryans1577]

If you have never heard of Ido Portal, i recommend going to IdoPortal.com, he would probably shun you for speaking about a knee brace. My knee is not unstable, but it could be, I don't feel my knee give out or anything like that, it just feels tight, on occasion, and when I extend all the way, and then retract, back and forth, then the internal knee would pop, and I would have a sense of relief, no pain though.

[@MassageSloth]

+Ryan Sell I've always been a fan of compression for joint dysfunction/pain, but I'm not about to argue with a guy who trains Conor McGregor :) If your symptoms increase or interfere with your life, I do think that medical evaluation would be your best bet.

[@ryans1577]

+Massage Sloth okay I said in my original comment my knee is unstable. but that is just an assumption. I used to press my knee against the desks back in high school. my leg itself gave out on me when I got up out of bed to walk. literally just bent as it normally would. I tried to get up and it wouldn't let me. but that was 5+ years ago and the only time it happened. I just think my meniscus is very thin, I can feel my knee move internally even with a microinch of movement. If that makes sense. I will focus on the muscles/IT band etc above the knee and get back to you ;)

[@cesargarcia4129]

Great knowledge, nice technique. Thank you.!

[@sativadva]

7:05 could you also (instead of anchoring your elbows) apply your weight with stacked joints? I do this and get very positive feedback and responses... but I do have pain with my lower back--I think due to daily life activities--and I'm trying to apply the most beneficial body mechanics as possible. P. S. Ty for this one lesson. My mom has been experience IT pain and I've been working with her to get it under control :)

[@MassageSloth]

That variation sounds great! One thing to keep in mind when you're using straight limbs is to stay mindful of how you stand up at the end of any given technique. For instance, if you're sinking to either side of the quad, how do you get back to the start of that move? If you're using your low back as a crane to straighten, sink, straighten, sink, that could quickly add up to low back / hip fatigue. Not a bad thing in itself, but it can add up over the course of 5 massages. Look at ways you can instead move your hips: Once you sink to the end of a move, can you shift your hips back under you before you stand up? Instead of bending at the waist to sink into the move, can you go into a deeper squat or lunge? (I know it's hard to immediately apply these vague ideas, but just keep it in mind as you work and you'll find places for them). Hit us up on the forums if you'd like to consult the group! facebook.com/groups/1793289647583837/ Oh, and kudos for helping your dear mum!

[@KathleenHelenLisson]

Awesome! thanks!

[@beaya3165]

Why did you do the tapotement over the sheets and should I do tapotement mostly on more athletic clients?.And should it be over the sheets? I do it after each massage on each sections. I wish I could give myself a massage just to get an idea of whats actually working for me.. I've had a client/ friend that told me it was her least favorite part of the massage. She was in her 60's i didn't do it very hard. I'm always afraid to hurt people... i can use some tapotement right now to be honest.

[@beaya3165]

i just read the above msg lol... sorry

[@MassageSloth]

I do typically reserve tapotement for my more active clients. They seem to appreciate vigorous movement more than most people, and they care less about things being quiet and soothing (my athletes get more movement and brisk contact). For clients primarily interested in relaxation, I may do a little tapotement on the back before I flip them, but not typically. It feels great, but it can feel a little jarring, and it can interrupt the "flow," so to speak. You may want to experiment with just doing compressions through the sheet to end each region, or just moving on. By the way, there are many experienced massage therapists that would think I'm insane for not doing tapotement on everyone :) This is a matter of personal taste. Oh! And the reason I do it through the sheet is just so it sounds less slappy. No good reason for it.

[@beaya3165]

Oh lol less slappy is that the technical term for it?.. Just joking with you. Thank you for the advice now that you've said it i can very much see that making more sense. I am probably making the mistake of doing to my client what I am feeling like what i need at the juncture on myself... Or I'm just following the motions of how I was taught 3 different types of massage before I move on. I will follow your lead. 🙊

[@beaya3165]

Oh lol less slappy is that the technical term for it?.. Just joking with you. Thank you for the advice now that you've said it i can very much see that making more sense. I am probably making the mistake of doing to my client what I am feeling like what i need at the juncture on myself... Or I'm just following the motions of how I was taught 3 different types of massage before I move on. I will follow your lead. 🙊

[@marandabest8196]

Can the IT Band be an issue in Fibromyalgia patients? The same area you are referring to in this video burns so bad all the time. It's also sore all the time. The reason I'm asking is because I really need to find the right massage therapist/massage for me.

[@MassageSloth]

It certainly can. One defining characteristic of fibromyalgia is heightened sensitivity to pain and touch, and there's no reason why the IT band region wouldn't join the party. As I say in the video, my main suspect is the hips/butt region, so try to find a massage therapist who is well-versed in working with the area. Especially when it comes to working with fibromyalgia pain, my strategy is always slow, gentle work, over the course of many sessions. This sensitivity took a long time to develop, so it won't be going anywhere in a single session. I say shoot emails to all the promising massage therapists in your area, ask if they're familiar with fibromyalgia, whether they can work gently, and if they know how to work with the gluteal region thoroughly. You might still have to do some trial and error, but hopefully someone will respond with "I love working with fibromyalgia symptoms, and the hips are my specialty!"

[@beenah25]

HI Ian. I love your videos, super informative and I love how you have videos for different problem areas. I just have one question. Is there a reason why you don't use any oil/lotion?

[@MassageSloth]

I actually use a small amount of jojoba oil (just enough to give me some glide when I want to move slowly, a bit more when I want to speed up), I'm just terrible at pointing that out in my videos! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@ernakovary4745]

Hi, Ian! This video is very helpful as I have a client similar to your friend Summer who is training for half-marathon then eventually will go for the full one. May I ask you an unrelated question re De Quervain Syndrome. What type of treatment/exercise do you recommend for someone who is in pain and lost full range of motion, strength of the wrist. I would appreciate any help you can provide!

[@vice8063]

I need you in my life! great video oxoxo

[@alexanderkenniethbam]

Fantastic!

[@itrazavaleta5441]

Would you also work on the lower back like the QL or erectors ?

[@MassageSloth]

It couldn't hurt! When the IT band is sensitive/painful, there's usually a lot going on in the hips. When there's stuff going on with the hips, there can be low back involvement. So definitely worth asking about and including.

[@itrazavaleta5441]

Thank you for the reply !! Appreciate it !!

[@nataliebuckhout4768]

Are you using any oil?

[@MassageSloth]

Ope, this was back when I often forgot to discuss that. If you see me gliding slowly, there's almost certainly some jojoba oil spread over the skin. Less will make you move slower, more will get you moving more like Swedish (and both are great in their own way). If I'm moving at an absolute snail's pace, then that might be with no oil whatsoever. Sorry for that oversight!

[@LoveLove-lm2wz]

Wish I could afford a therapist to assist me with this. No one seems to understand this. I have been in pain with tingling and numbness since November 2014.

[@tomcotter4299]

Go see a therapist.

[@MassageSloth]

Annmari Love Hi Annmari! I'm afraid that your first stop should be a medical doctor. We can't diagnose as massage therapists, and there are many diagnostic tests available to doctors that we simply don't have. Good luck!

[@ridg3line]

Thanks for posting this video, although it would be much better if the angle was not limited to just one position. Thanks

[@tat2jim]

Like the figure 4(frog leg) @ 21:50.

[@gheorghefalcaru]

high class

[@mrbillhilly343]

Where did you get the name "Massage Sloth" when sloths don't massage, they just sit in trees all day eating leaves?

[@taryn8972]

His motto is "massage lazy, get results" i love his slow, easeful style that prevents therapist burn out

[@fq1843]

great

[@George50809]

This is good massage. IT pain is not fun.

[@sarahlewis2293]

You don't have to bend down for us to see you... it's okay... just keep talking :D

[@massageasmr670]

friend for what

[@wajehrahman2793]

Release it pain massage

[@sargetheshelterdog8291]

The TFL is more lateral and the technique you use is poor. Putting your wrists at risk.

[@MassageSloth]

Gary Kolenich if you're on the lateral aspect of the region just inferior to the ASIS and directing your pressure toward the illium, you're on tensor fasciae latae. This can be confirmed by having the client medially rotate the thigh. As for my hand position, I find that cupping the ASIS in my palm as my carpals sink in offers some extra comfort to the client. Feels plenty stable to me, though I wouldn't want to do the entire massage with that tool!

[@hindleyguadamuz5057]

Miname is kristell

[@jonathanwilson9454]

>this is my friend summer Cringe