Runner’s Knee Relief: How Acupuncture Helps Heal IT Band Syndrome Naturally

Is knee pain dictating your training schedule? IT band syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, is often the result of deep, underlying tension that stretching and resting alone can’t fix. Here’s how acupuncture works to support natural healing.

The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick tendon that travels from your hip to your knee, helping stabilize your leg during flexion and extension. When it gets tight and irritated, it triggers the aching, burning pain you might know as runner’s knee, or IT band syndrome.

If you’re looking for an effective, natural solution to this common overuse injury, turn to Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA, at Twin Acupuncture. As a certified Sports Medicine Acupuncture® specialist, Kerri has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal issues like IT band syndrome.

Here, we explain what causes the condition and describe how acupuncture works to calm your pain, restore mobility, and help you hit your stride again.

Understanding iliotibial (IT) band syndrome

Runner’s knee develops when the IT band tightens and rubs against the knee or hip bones. This constant friction leads to irritation and inflammation in the tendon and surrounding tissues, causing that burning ache that runners and other athletes know well.

While it’s a common sports injury, especially in long-distance runners — accounting for approximately 12% of all running injuries — IT band syndrome also affects cyclists, skiers, and people who play sports that involve repetitive knee bending, such as basketball, soccer, and hockey.

Contributing factors may include overtraining, running on sloped or uneven surfaces, or skipping proper warm-ups or cool-downs before and after exercise. Even if you’re not an athlete, physical issues like muscle imbalances and arthritis can result in a tight IT band.

How acupuncture supports healing

Rest and stretching aren’t always enough to solve the underlying issues behind IT band syndrome. Acupuncture offers a holistic approach that not only eases pain, but also treats the root causes of friction and inflammation. Here’s how it helps:

Releasing tension and trigger points

Chronic tension in the muscles that anchor the IT band can cause the tendon itself to tighten, increasing friction and irritation at the hip and knee. Acupuncture targets deep knots and trigger points in these muscles to ease tension and promote relaxation.

Reducing inflammation and pain

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing response, which increases circulation and eases the inflammation that causes IT band pain. It also works to calm the nervous system, interrupting pain signals before they make it to the brain.

Restoring proper biomechanics

In many cases, IT band syndrome is the result of muscle imbalances caused by an improper gait or movement issues. Acupuncture restores balance by relaxing tight, overused muscle groups and stimulating weak, underused areas, which ultimately helps stabilize the hip and improve range of motion for pain-free movement.

Finding natural relief from runner’s knee

Your journey to lasting IT band relief begins with a personalized consultation to assess your specific movement patterns and injury history. Acupuncture can be highly effective as a standalone treatment or as part of a comprehensive pain management plan involving physical therapy or corrective exercises.

Don’t let the pain of runner’s knee hold you back from achieving your fitness goals. Schedule an appointment at Twin Acupuncture in Staten Island, New York, to learn more about available holistic treatment options.