The possible solution to your aches and pains

Have you ever wondered why your back bothers you some days, your hips hurt, or you have knee pain?  There’s a possibility that you don’t have a problem with any of these body parts.  The cure to these aches and pains could be that your IT band is tight, tired and sore.

            The IT band is a thick band of tissue that runs down the side of your leg from the bony part of your hip that sticks out (the iliac crest) all the way down to the outer part of your knee (the tibia).  This band of tissue is essentially a huge tendon.  The IT band plays a big role in the alignment of your spine, hips and knees.  When this tissue is tight, it can throw that alignment off and cause all kinds of problems.  The most common victims of IT band pain and tightness are runner, bikers, and people starting new workout regimens.

            We all know the importance of a warm-up and stretching routine before doing any form of physical activity, but few people know about the importance of foam rolling.  Foam rolling is the number one thing we can do to keep our IT bands from getting sore and tight.  More, it could be the number one thing we can do to prevent back, knee and hip pain!  So, if you want to prevent this pain and tightness and feel a little bit better during your workout, take an extra 5 minutes and do some foam rolling.  Here is an exercise you can do:

·         Lie on your right side and place a foam roller under your right hip. Cross your left leg over the right and place your left foot on the floor. Place your hands on the floor as well, for support.

·         Roll your body forward until the roller reaches your knees.  Continue to roll back and forth for 30 seconds.

·         Then, lie on your left side and repeat with roller under left hip.