The other day I was talking to a team mate about her running injury and how it was coming along. She read somewhere about using one of those foam rollers on the IT band and started doing it and has been finding some relief. I’d used the foam roller before but on my frequently tight calf muscles. I found it difficult to put enough weight on the point of contact to get much effect, but I hadn’t tried the IT band. Hmmm. My IT band doesn’t seem to be causing any problems that I can tell, but it is often sore.
After the Uwharrie Trail Run, I biked 6 days straight. OK, not the same bike, but road bike, TT bike on trainer, spin, spin, TT bike on trainer, cross bike. The ITB’s should be ripe for a little work.
So today’s cold & wet weather suggests a gym visit and after a few light stretches I balance my outer thigh over the roller and give it a shot. Oh. My. GOSH! I almost cried it hurt so bad. I keep at it somehow as I cower into a fetal position and grimace wildly. My eyes rolled back into my head as I tried unsuccessfully to dissociate from the pain. People were probably wondering about me.
Since it’s so painful, I have to presume it’s good for me. So I give my ITB’s a few more rolls, move on to my usual stability and core exercises then revisit the IT band foam roller experience at the end of the workout. A little better, but middle portion is still really painful. I should probably do this more frequently.
I have had some ITB issues in the past, but seem to be holding them at bay so far. I haven’t tried the roller, but have heard good things. Where did you get yours?
I haven’t yet bought a foam roller. The one I used belongs to the gym. I’ve seen them at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Yay Laurie! 4 miles pain free. It’s good to know it’s possible to roll the ITB without excrutiating pain if we just hang in there.