I've been dealing with IT band syndrome for months now and I'm getting frustrated. I've tried foam rolling, stretching, and strengthening my glutes, but the pain persists. Has anyone found any other effective ways to alleviate the discomfort? I've heard about using a tennis ball to release tension, but I'm not sure if it's worth trying. Any advice would be appreciated.
IT band syndrome is a real pain (literally!). I've been there too. In addition to what you've tried, I found that changing my running form helped. I focused on landing midfoot instead of heel striking, and it made a huge difference. Also, try to reduce your mileage and intensity for a bit. It's not a magic fix, but it can help. Good luck!
I've had IT band issues in the past too. What helped me was to focus on my cadence and stride. I started doing short, quick strides and it seemed to reduce the friction on my IT band. It's not a cure-all, but it's worth a shot. Also, have you tried icing the area after runs? It might help with inflammation.
I've battled IT band syndrome too. For me, it was all about consistency with stretching and foam rolling. I made it a habit to do it daily, even if it's just for a few minutes. I also started using a lacrosse ball instead of a tennis ball - it's firmer and gets deeper into the tissue. It's not a quick fix, but it's worth the effort.