Effects of Ultrasound Therapy in Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ultrasound (US) therapy, administered in different modes, on pain, functionality and iliotibial band (ITB) thickness in patients with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). Seventy-five volunteers presenting at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic with lateral knee pain and thigh pain were included in the study. Patients aged between 45 and 60 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had been diagnosed with ITBS were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into three groups and received 15 treatment sessions. Group 1 received exercise only, Group 2 received exercise plus continuous ultrasound, and Group 3 received exercise plus intermittent ultrasound treatment. Patients' pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), lower limb functionality using the Lower Limb Functionality Scale (LEFS), and quality of life using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire before treatment, after treatment, and at the 3-month post-treatment mark. In patients diagnosed with ITBS,ITB thickness was measured ultrasonographically at the attachment point of the lateral femoral epicondyle in the lateral lying position with the knee flexed at 20-30 degrees.

Inclusion criteria

- Aged between 45 and 60 years -Patients diagnosed with ITBS using ITB trigger point palpation and the Noble compression test -Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≥50 mm

Exclusion criteria

• History of lower limb surgery within the last six month- Body weight exceeding 120 kg- History of malignancy-Severe coxarthrosis-Severe osteoporosis-Stage 4 gonarthrosis-Lower limb surgey in the last 6 months-History of any neurological, vascular or infectious disease