Short answer: Yes, shockwave therapy is a well-supported, non-invasive option for IT band syndrome, the sharp pain on the outside of the knee that shows up a few miles into a run. In a randomized trial of runners, radial shockwave plus exercise cut running pain by 51% at 4 weeks and 75% at 8 weeks, and a 2024 systematic review found hip strengthening, possibly boosted with shockwave, is effective for runners with IT band syndrome. At Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, we use Storz Medical radial and focused shockwave, and you can start with a free 20-minute phone call with Dr. Steve Petzel at (630) 887-1900.

Runner jogging on a quiet paved country road between golden fields, training outdoors near Hinsdale, IL

What is IT band syndrome, and why does the outside of my knee hurt when I run?

The iliotibial band, or IT band, is a long, thick band of connective tissue that runs down the outside of your thigh from the hip to just below the knee. IT band syndrome happens when the tissue where the band crosses the outer knee gets irritated and overloaded. It is one of the most common running injuries, making up about 10% of all running-related injuries.

The classic pattern is easy to recognize:

  • Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee, not the front
  • Pain that starts at a predictable point in a run, often a few miles in, and gets worse until you stop
  • More pain running downhill or going down stairs
  • Tenderness on the outer knee, sometimes with tightness up the outside of the thigh toward the hip

It’s common in runners training along Hinsdale’s streets and the trails around Oak Brook and Western Springs, cyclists, hikers, and anyone who ramps up mileage quickly.

Active woman sitting on the grass outdoors and rubbing her sore knee, a common sign of IT band syndrome that may respond to shockwave therapy in Hinsdale, IL

Is it IT band syndrome or runner’s knee?

They’re close cousins, and both are common in runners. IT band syndrome hurts on the outside of the knee. Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain) aches around or behind the kneecap. Pain just below the kneecap is more often jumper’s knee, or patellar tendinitis. Dr. Petzel’s exam sorts out which one you have, because the treatment plan depends on it. If your pain is around the kneecap, read runner’s knee in Hinsdale.

How does shockwave therapy treat IT band syndrome?

Shockwave therapy sends acoustic pressure waves into the irritated tissue to restart your body’s own healing response: more blood flow, breakdown of scar tissue, and new collagen production. For IT band syndrome, that means treating the sore tissue at the outer knee and the tight band along the outer thigh, the areas that rest and foam rolling often don’t fix.

Adisi has both Storz Medical radial and focused shockwave units on-site. Radial shockwave spreads its energy over a broader area, which suits the long band and the tight muscle around it. Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a precise depth for the most tender spot. Many patients benefit from both in the same session. Read more in radial vs. focused shockwave explained.

What does the research say about shockwave for IT band syndrome?

  • Randomized trial in 24 runners (2016): Runners with IT band syndrome got 3 weekly sessions of either radial shockwave or manual therapy, plus an exercise program. The shockwave group’s pain during treadmill running dropped 51% at 4 weeks and 75% at 8 weeks, both statistically significant. The researchers concluded radial shockwave and manual therapy were equally effective at reducing pain (Weckström and Söderström, Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 2016; PubMed 26406193).
  • Randomized trial in 40 patients (2021): Shockwave was compared with dry needling for IT band syndrome. Shockwave significantly improved both pain and function on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and overall the researchers found shockwave and dry needling both led to real improvement, with neither clearly superior (Razie et al., Galen Medical Journal, 2021; PubMed 35855103). That’s useful if you’d rather avoid needles.
  • Systematic review of 13 studies in runners (2024): Researchers at the University of Potsdam reviewed conservative treatments for IT band syndrome and concluded that a program built on hip abductor strengthening, possibly augmented by shockwave or manual therapy, is effective for reducing pain and improving function in runners, with pain improvements of 27% to 100% over 2 to 8 weeks across studies (Sanchez-Alvarado et al., Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2024; PubMed 39247485).

The takeaway: shockwave works best as part of a complete plan that also strengthens the hips, which is how we approach it.

Who is a good candidate for shockwave for IT band pain?

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Get sharp outer knee pain at the same point in every run, ride, or hike
  • Have tried rest, foam rolling, stretching, or a few weeks off with only short-lived relief
  • Are training for a race and want to keep your season on track
  • Want a drug-free, needle-free option with no downtime
  • Want to avoid repeated cortisone shots or surgery

What does a session feel like, and how many will I need?

Most patients feel only mild discomfort, often described as a strong tapping over the sore spot on the outer knee and thigh. Sessions take about 20 minutes, and you go straight back to your day. See does shockwave therapy hurt? for more.

Most patients see significant improvement after 6 sessions, each about 20 minutes and spaced about one week apart, with many noticing a real change by sessions 3 to 4. Dr. Petzel builds a personalized plan based on your exam.

Can I keep running during shockwave treatment?

Often, yes, with smart adjustments. We recommend avoiding high-impact activity for 24 to 48 hours after each session. Beyond that, Dr. Petzel will guide how much to run based on your symptoms, and he can pair shockwave with chiropractic care, Class IV laser, EMTT, or TECAR when your exam calls for it. If your calf or hamstring is also tight, see hamstring and calf strain treatment.

How much does shockwave for IT band syndrome cost in Hinsdale?

Shockwave at Adisi Health Center is simple cash-pay pricing, with HSA and FSA accepted:

  • New patient evaluation: $249, a 45-minute visit with a full exam, health history review, and your first shockwave treatment
  • 6-session protocol: $1,050 (about $175 per session, saves $150)
  • Single session: $200 per treatment area

No referral is needed and same-week openings are often available. Full details are in how much does shockwave therapy cost in Hinsdale?

Is there a faster way to get back to running?

Yes. Our wellness memberships are our most committed option for accelerated recovery. Both plans let you combine up to 4 therapies per visit, including shockwave, Class IV laser, EMTT, and TECAR, and the Premium plan includes 2 shockwave sessions per week.

Who shouldn’t get shockwave therapy?

Shockwave is non-invasive, but it isn’t right for everyone. It may not be a good fit if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
  • Have an infection, open wound, or tumor in the treatment area
  • Have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the treatment site
  • Have had a cortisone shot in the area recently. You must wait at least 6 weeks after your last cortisone shot before starting shockwave.

Dr. Petzel reviews your health history and examines your knee, hip, and foot before any treatment. Get checked promptly rather than waiting if your knee pain started with a fall, twist, or car accident, or if your knee is swollen, locks, gives way, or you can’t put weight on it, since those can point to a ligament, meniscus, or other injury that needs a different approach. If your pain started with a crash, see car accident injuries in Hinsdale.

Frequently asked questions

Does shockwave therapy work for IT band syndrome?
Studies show it helps. In a randomized trial of runners with IT band syndrome, radial shockwave plus exercise reduced running pain by 51% at 4 weeks and 75% at 8 weeks, and a 2024 systematic review supports hip strengthening, possibly augmented by shockwave, for runners with IT band syndrome.

What does IT band syndrome feel like?
It usually causes sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee that starts at a predictable point in a run and gets worse until you stop. It’s often worse running downhill or going down stairs.

How many shockwave sessions do I need for IT band pain?
Most patients see significant improvement after 6 sessions of about 20 minutes, spaced about a week apart. Many notice change by sessions 3 to 4.

Is shockwave better than dry needling for IT band syndrome?
A 2021 randomized trial found both shockwave and dry needling improved pain and function in IT band syndrome, with neither clearly better overall. Shockwave is a good choice if you’d rather avoid needles.

Can I run while getting shockwave for my IT band?
Often, yes, with adjustments. We recommend avoiding high-impact activity for 24 to 48 hours after each session, and Dr. Petzel will guide your mileage based on your symptoms.

How much does shockwave cost in Hinsdale?
At Adisi Health Center, a 6-session protocol is $1,050 and a single session is $200 per treatment area. The first visit is a $249 new patient evaluation that includes an exam and your first treatment. HSA and FSA are accepted.

Do you treat runners from outside Hinsdale?
Yes. Patients come to our office at 534 Chestnut Street, Suite 240 in downtown Hinsdale from Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Westmont, La Grange, and nearby towns.

Related reading: Runner’s knee in Hinsdale, jumper’s knee and patellar tendinitis, shin splints in runners, and shockwave for hip and Achilles tendon pain

Woman doing a side plank with a leg lift, a hip strengthening exercise for IT band syndrome in Hinsdale, IL

Ready to run without outer knee pain?

Start with a free 20-minute phone call with Dr. Petzel to find out if shockwave is right for your IT band pain. Call Adisi Health Center at (630) 887-1900, email DrPetzel@AdisiHealth.com, or book your visit online.

References

  1. Weckström K, Söderström J. Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy compared with manual therapy in runners with iliotibial band syndrome. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2016;29(1):161-170. PubMed 26406193
  2. Razie M, Leila K, Saied K. Shockwave Therapy Versus Dry Needling for the Management of Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Galen Med J. 2021;10:1-8. PubMed 35855103
  3. Sanchez-Alvarado A, Bokil C, Cassel M, Engel T. Effects of conservative treatment strategies for iliotibial band syndrome on pain and function in runners: a systematic review. Front Sports Act Living. 2024;6:1386456. PubMed 39247485

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Results vary. Prices are current as of October 2026.

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