IT Band Syndrome Physiotherapy in Clapham
Sharp pain on the outside of your knee that builds during runs, especially downhill? IT band syndrome is common in runners, and strengthening usually helps. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding IT Band Syndrome
As part of our knee physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats IT band syndrome in Clapham, helping you ease pain and get back to running with confidence.
What Is IT Band Syndrome?
According to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, the iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue that runs down the outside of the leg from the hip to below the knee. IT band syndrome causes pain on the outside of the knee, usually linked to running.
Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the knee
- Pain that builds during a run and eases with rest
- Pain running downhill or on stairs
- Sometimes a snapping or popping feeling as the knee bends
What Causes It?
IT band syndrome is usually linked to a sudden increase in running, hills or camber, and weakness in the hip muscles that control your knee as you run.
How Physiotherapy Helps
NHS guidance recommends working with a physiotherapist to improve the strength and flexibility of the hip and knee. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Hip and buttock strengthening
- Advice on adjusting your training load
- Running technique advice
- Hands-on treatment to ease tension
- A gradual return to running
Is Foam Rolling Enough?
Many runners foam roll their IT band, but it rarely solves the problem on its own. Strengthening your hips and managing your training load are usually more important. Olivia can show you what will help most.
Returning to Running
Most runners can return gradually, often starting with shorter, flatter runs. Olivia will build a step-by-step plan around your goals. See also our sports physiotherapy.
Other Causes of Outer Knee Pain
Pain on the outside of the knee can also come from the knee joint or a meniscus tear. Pain higher up on the outside of the hip may be gluteal tendinopathy.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, your running and your goals
- Assess your knee, hip and ankle, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
IT Band Syndrome FAQs
- How long does IT band syndrome take to heal?
Many runners improve within a few weeks to a couple of months with hip strengthening and changes to training.
- Should I stop running with IT band syndrome?
You may need to reduce or pause running for a while, then return gradually. Olivia will guide you.
- Does foam rolling help IT band syndrome?
It may ease tightness short term, but strengthening and load management are usually more effective.
- Why does my knee hurt running downhill?
Running downhill increases the load on the outside of the knee, which can aggravate IT band syndrome.
- Do I need a referral for IT band syndrome physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.