Summer 2010

Metamorphic Massage Newletter

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome and Ultimate

Nikki Nichols LMP, RN,BSN

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Iliotibial Band Fricton

Gorgeous arcing throws, full-extension dives, insane vertical leaps, quick-flick sidearm throws, and discs pinched out of the sky with the barest of fingertips - This is Ultimate! (formerly known as Ultimate Frisbee).
The seven-on-seven game combines aspects of basketball, hockey, football and soccer.Yet, being a counterculture, community- building game, there are values that are inherent in the game: respect, trust, and self responsibility among all players.

"Within that milieu, injuries develop as the team members hit each other and the ground pretty hard," said Joy, a 33-year-old software developer. She considers herself lucky that herniated disks, a rotator cuff tear and ankle sprains have been the extent of her Ultimate injuries. Knee injuries are sustained by many other players.

In spite of injuries, Ultimate is one of the world's fastest-growing sports. The game is played in more than 42 countries and in the US there are 4.5 million players. The elite Seattle woman's team, Seattle Riot, is responsible for introducing Ultimate into other countries-Colombia, Israel/Palestine.

Before leaving for the Czech republic and Israel/Palestine, one of the players, understanding the benefits of sports massage, came to Metamorphic Massage for a treatment for her hamstring and knee problems.

Knee problems are the most common injuries in Ultimate.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament tear) is the most common followed by
Meniscus cartilage tear, Patellafemoral Syndrome and Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome. (not in any particular order)
(To read about ACL and Patellafemoral Syndrome see my newsletters.)

What is Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome?
An overuse condition that manifests with pain and inflammation on the outside of the knee. The IT Band begins at the outer side of the hip (in the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus muscles) and travels to the outside of the shin bone (Tibia) crossing the bump on the thigh bone (the femoral lateral epicondyl). When crossing, it can become irritated and painful.

What causes IT Band syndrome?
This condition results from a variety of factors:
repetitive flexion and extension,
esp. when running, a key part of Ultimate;
running on sloped/ uneven surfaces;
running in worn down shoes esp if worn down on the outside of heel of shoe;
a tight IT Band (the IT band is fascia that serves as a ligament);
tight muscles in hip, pelvis, leg;
leg length discrepancy.

Prevention
Warming up and doing stretching exercises before playing Ultimate or other sports.
(Ask Nikki LMP or go online to find beneficial exercises)

Treatment

• Massage:
  focusing on trigger points in the thigh,
  massaging the muscles near the hip,
  pin and stretch techniques
  friction
  ice massage
  
• Ice pack
  
• Activity modification
  
• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
• Cortisone injection (if other treatments don't relieve the symptoms).

My advice to you - go and play Ultimate and have fun!

(A good place for women to start is at the Seattle Riot's clinic that is open to all women of all abilities and ages, I went there and had a really fun time. Learn to play well.) Get a sports treatment massage at Metamorphic Massage to help prevent getting injured or to recover more rapidly if you do get injured.

Metamorphic Massage
transforming injuries into wellness
and
helping athletes achieve peak performance

Nikki LMP - provider of massage at 3 Olympic Games
WA Sports Massage Team - active member for 15 years
Certified in Orthopedic Massage

Call or e-mail to schedule a massage.
Nikki Nichols LMP, RN, BSN
Metamorphic Massage
206-499-4281
Nikki@metamorphicmassage.biz