Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1492048
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 67 TAKEAWAY: The IT band functions as part of a three-dimensional system with connections above to the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fascia lata; below to the lateral knee; and deep to the femur via the lateral intermuscular septum. the most heavily loaded fibers running along the lateral side of the thigh to the knee. The IT band becomes a lateral reinforcement of the fascia lata; you get it from being an upright human who stands, walks, and runs. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? The fascia lata (including the IT band) is easily identified on the thigh by its perfectly aligned, longitudinally arranged, silvery-white collagen fibers. These fibers form a strong, thin, bi- or tri-laminar sheet with an average thickness of 1 millimeter. 3 It looks a lot like filament strapping tape you may have used at the post office. The IT band appears as a gradual thickening of the fascia lata, measuring an average of 3.4 millimeters 4 at the thickest areas located at the greater trochanter and the lateral knee. The IT band arises so gradually, it is impossible to make a clear line of separation between it and the fascia lata. 5 That means in the pictures you have seen, the edges of the IT band were created based on the dissector's or artist's somewhat arbitrary choice of division (Image 3). WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? To feel your IT bands while seated, start with f lat fingers at the crest of the ilium and gently sink into the soft subcutis, dragging it from side to side as you feel for the firm tissue layer beneath. Continue this motion distally down the lateral thigh, across the greater Lateral fascia lata, deep surface. Looking a lot like filament strapping tape you may have used at the post office, the perfectly aligned, silvery-white collagen fibers of the fascia lata form a strong, thin, bi- or tri-laminar sheet. The IT band arises so gradually within the fascia lata that it is impossible to make a clear line of separation between the two. Image courtesy of AnatomySCAPES.com. 3 Compartments of the thigh. The fascia lata forms septa that dive between groups of muscle and join the femur bone along the linea aspera, separating the quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors into three distinct compartments. Image courtesy of AnatomySCAPES.com. 2 Subcutis Fascia lata Medial intermuscular septum Posterior intermuscular septum Lateral intermuscular septum Anterior compartment (quadriceps) Medial compartment (adductors) Posterior compartment (hamstrings) Region of IT band