Ober’s Test

Ober’s Test is a physical examination technique used to assess iliotibial band (ITB) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) tightness. It is helpful in evaluating lateral hip/knee pain, functional lower limb complaints, or movement/postural asymmetries commonly seen in sports or active populations.

How the Test is Performed

  • Client position: Lying on the side with the tested leg on top, the bottom (support) leg bent at the hip and knee for stabilization.

  • The therapist stands behind, stabilizes the pelvis (at the greater trochanter), and flexes the client’s top knee to 90°.

  • The therapist then abducts and extends the hip (moves it up and then back so it’s in line with the trunk), keeping the pelvis stable.

  • The leg is then slowly lowered into adduction (allowed to drop downward toward the table) by gravity while the pelvis is stabilized to avoid compensation.

  • A positive test: The thigh remains elevated (does not drop below horizontal or touch the table), indicating tightness/restriction in the ITB or TFL.

  • A modified version is also used, with the knee kept extended for less medial knee stress and greater hip adduction range.

Clinical Significance

  • The test screens for ITB or TFL tightness—a positive result is most commonly associated with ITB friction syndrome, lateral knee pain, postural dysfunction, or gluteal/hip muscle imbalance.

  • No single test is perfectly accurate; Ober’s Test should be interpreted within a broader hip/knee/lumbopelvic assessment.

  • Modified Ober’s Test allows comparison between knee positions and may help individualize stretching or release strategies.

Assessment

  • Use for clients with lateral thigh, hip, or knee pain, running/cycling injuries, postural asymmetry, or pelvic movement restriction.

  • Record test side, amount of adduction, and presence of pain or compensatory movement for baseline and outcome tracking.

Treatment

  • If positive:

    • Avoid deep friction or overly aggressive stretching on a very tight or symptomatic ITB/TFL.

    • Focus on gentle soft tissue techniques, myofascial release for ITB/TFL/gluteals, and pain-modifying approaches.

    • Educate clients on appropriate self-stretching, use of foam rollers, and modifying aggravating activities (running form, cycling position) as appropriate.

    • Collaborate with physiotherapists or trainers for advanced corrective exercise and movement retraining as indicated.

Safety and Referral

  • Refer to a physician or physiotherapist for persistent, severe, or function-limiting lateral knee/hip pain, or when structural lesions (e.g., snapping hip syndrome, significant ITB friction syndrome) are suspected.