If you have ever foam rolled your IT band (iliotibial band), you know how much it hurts. Is it helpful? Or are you rolling something that should not be rolled?  What is rolling?

A foam roller is primarily used by athletes (done by themselves, massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors & more), and can help soothe tight, sore muscles and speed up muscle recovery. The key is to go slowly over the muscle and apply pressure directly to the target area. However the IT Band is not really a muscle, it’s an extension of the tensor fasciae latae muscle, and is technically a band — hence the name. So rolling over the ITB may not be the best thing you can do when that area is tight.

Here’s an interesting article on why foam rolling or stretching the IT band is futile.

“A PHYSICAL THERAPIST’S PLEA: STOP ROLLING AND STRETCHING YOUR IT BAND” — click to read more.