Pro-Tec AthleticsSmall/Large IT Band Compression Wrap

Like a few other reviewers of this product, I don't normally make the time to share my opinion of items bought on Amazon.Like them, I had to ensure I made an exception this time around. This product is amazing! How what is essentially a bit of elastic can make so much difference is beyond me.My story is much like everyone else's - suddenly started getting stabbing pain in my outer right knee after completing a half marathon a few weeks ago; first time out it kicked in after 3km; second time after 5km of gentle jogging. I rested for up to 10 days in between; stretched; finally used my foam roller - all to no avail. I was entered in the Great South Run yesterday, so desperately started searching for "miracle cures" which would allow me to get round.That's what brought me to this product on Amazon, and despite the reviews seeming too good to be true, the price and my desperation meant it was a no-brainer to give it a shot. I ordered it last Tuesday; it was delivered via Amazon Prime on Wednesday (in a small enough package to fit through the letter box, which was an added bonus), and I strapped it on on Wednesday evening to try it out.Disaster. I only lasted 2km this time before the familiar pain kicked in, and I was again unable to raise my leg on the backlift of my running motion. I adjusted it a few times on the way round my 5km course but to no avail, and hobbled home dejectedly.A few reviews had mentioned the need to get the positioning exactly right, and that checking out YouTube videos helped. I can't recommend this enough - I viewed the following video before the race and it shows exactly where to place the compression pad and how to find the right spot. Without it, I would have probably binned the wrap as useless.http://youtu.be/jYENhL1wWhkThere was no question of me not attempting the race yesterday, so I bought a cheap knee support from Runners Need to help stop the movement in my knee cap and, with my new-found knowledge on how to fit the IT Band Wrap properly, set off for the south coast. I was very nervous, fiddled with the wrap before the start, and the knee support felt uncomfortable. I reckoned I'd just see how far I got, stop when the pain kicked in, walk, adjust the band a bit and see how things went.1 hour 22 minutes later I had finished the race without stopping, PAIN-FREE the whole way round the 10 MILE (16km) course. What's more, I was only around 20s per km slower than my "top pace", although that's more due to lack of training in the last three weeks due to the injury. My 10K split was around 49 mins (whereas my PB is 45) before I faded badly towards the end.But seriously - pain free the whole way. It just took getting the right spot to put the pad, and it completely prevented the pain. Maybe the knee support helped a little too, I'm not sure. I'm not normally one to run with a smile on my face, but I couldn't help it yesterday.If you have IT band syndrome and want to be able to continue running - buy this product! Nothing more I can say, except watch the video on how to apply it first.Apologies for the length of the review, but it's made me go all evangelical...!

Having been diagnosed with ITB Syndrome just two weeks away from completing my first half marathon I was somewhat demotivated. My physio had given me stretches but I didn't feel they were enough to get me through the half marathon and when I fell ill a week before the event I had to stop doing them all together! Some research online led me to the Pro-Tec compression wrap, it had good reviews but I was still skeptical. I needed a miracle by this point and so I took the plunge and ordered it. Still not feeling well enough, I was unable to train with this strap before the event and so when the day of my first half marathon arrived, it was the first time I had ever worn this strap! I was terrified but went for it and stuck to my plan of taking it slowly!In my training prior to the event I was barely able to get a mile without pain and so when I started feeling knee pain after just a mile in to the 13 mile event my confidence took a knock and I had to stop. I decided to try adjusting the strap. Ensuring it was in the right place I tightened the strap so that it provided better compression. What a difference it made! Despite feeling some pain so early in, I was now running with no pain at all and completed the rest of the course without stopping to adjust the strap. I couldn't quite believe it! Unfortunately, it can get a bit uncomfortable after a while. I also don't feel the instructions that came with the strap were that could at advising on placement of the strap, however a few YouTube videos helped me to find the right spot.I would not say this is a cure, more of a way of masking the problem to get you through an important event. Although it got me through my half marathon, I will certainly be resting and then working on strengthening for a more permanent cure! If you feel you need an extra bit of support, I would recommend this. I would certainly try it before if possible in order to find the right spot and tightness that works for you.

Your mileage might vary but I didn't find this very effective for a ITBS issue.At best it dulled the pain a little whilst I tried to sleep, other than that waste or money.