Stretching the IT band???

Hi there you runners.  Ever since I started jogging, I now have a tight IT band and do not know how to properly stretch it.  I am stretching my hip flexors by doing low lunges (holding 30 seconds) but I still have the pain and or tightness in the front of my hip.  It has even made me stop walking on the treadmill one time because of cramping.  I want to be able to jog.  Can someone help? Jackie

Try standing up straight.  Cross one leg in front of the other and lean to the direction of the back leg without twisting your body.  Similar to this. http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/itband.html or http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/itband_str.html or http://www.howtostretch.com/iliotibi.htm I also sit cross my legs and pull the knee to the chest.  That helps strech the butt and I can feel relief in the IT band.

Thanks for the help Scott!!!  I like the pics of the stretches. Jackie

I know about this!  I've been in therapy for it.  Have someone massage it with their elbow,  Start at the hip and go down the IT band to the knee.  This can really hurt so be sure the other person doesn't apply too much pressure.  Also, I have a foam tube that I put on the floor and "roll" my IT band over.  Hard to describe.  There are many Yoga poses for this also.  Hope it helps. Eliza