Would you like to see the IT iliotibial Band?

I was lucky enough to go and see the Body Worlds exhibit in New York recently.  I had seen this before at the Science and Industry museum in Manchester, but it was many years ago and my understanding of anatomy has progressed since then.  The number one thing I wanted to see was the iliotibial band and to understand more about it’s role in stabilising the knee.

This is Yoga Lady, we may never find out her real name or know anything about her, but doesn’t she look amazing?  And there down the side of her thigh is the IT (iliotibial) Band.  It’s a critical postural muscle and can be the cause of much pain or discomfort to runners.  If you have IT Band Syndrome then do come along to class for some postural tips and IT band stretches.

yoga lady showing iliotibial band at the body worlds exhibition

yoga lady showing iliotibial band at the body worlds exhibition

bodyworlds showing IT band-7311

I love this photo of Yoga Lady, I bet she would be happy to know we can see here like this!

You can read more about the IT (iliotibial) Band on Wikipedia

There are Body Worlds exhibitions all over the world, you can see the current ones here.  Don’t be afraid to go to one, it’s not gory, it’s fascinating.