Table 3.

Activity Modification and Rehabilitation Guidelines Reported Following Operative Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Study	Postoperative Guidelines
Walbron et al.,13	Immediate full weight-bearing with forearm crutches
Inoue et al.16	Knee range of motion + muscle strengthening exercises initiated “soon” after surgery
	Full weight bearing → start 1 week after surgery
	Walking → start 2 weeks after surgery
	Jogging → start 3 weeks after surgery
Michels et al.14	Surgical drain removed 24 hours’ postoperatively
	Early range of motion exercises + full weight bearing promoted
	Slow running starts at 2 months postoperatively
Hariri et al.17	Weight bearing as tolerated, bilateral axillary crutches
	Postoperative week 1-2: ice, compression, high-voltage electrical stimulation weeks, gentle massage of iliotibial band with progression to stretching
	Passive knee and hip range of motion → start postoperative day 1
	Full knee extension → postoperative day 3
	Full knee and hip flexion → end of postoperative week 2
	Patellofemoral joint mobilization, emphasis on medial glide of patella
	Progressive resistance exercises (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors) start: week 1 to week 4
	Week 8: reevaluation by surgeon to clear for running, cycling other sports as tolerated
	Full return to sport: postoperative week 12-14
Barber et al.19	Weight bearing as tolerated with a gradual increase in motion
	Physical therapy → start week 2
	Return to sport milestones: incision healed and no tenderness to palpation
	Running → start 6 weeks postoperative
	Pivoting → start 8 weeks postoperative
Drogset et al.18	Weight bearing gradually allowed at postoperative week 2
Holmes et al.27	Indoor riding without resistance for 15 minutes → try postoperative day 3
	Able to ride indoors for 30 minutes without discomfort → start outdoor riding
	Gradual resumption of mileage and resistance, based on preoperative levels
	Hill work → start 4-6 weeks postoperatively
Martens et al.15	Regain sports activity postoperative week 3-4