Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse ailment in long-distance runners, frequently causing lateral knee pain, diminished mobility, and a decrease in performance. This analysis evaluates the therapeutic effectiveness of Kinesio Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (KIASTM) and cupping therapy—two manual techniques increasingly utilised in sports rehabilitation. This analysis of 30 peer-reviewed sources, encompassing randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, and clinical case studies, investigates the mechanisms, effects, and sport-specific uses of various medicines in long-distance running. KIASTM utilises hard instruments to enhance fascial mobility and alleviate myofascial constraints, whereas cupping applies negative pressure to augment blood circulation and promote tissue repair. A comparative analysis indicates that KIASTM is notably helpful in enhancing mobility and alleviating chronic myofascial tightness, but cupping is superior in mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness and facilitating post-exercise recovery. Nonetheless, both therapy encounter constraints including variable protocols, sensitivity to placebo effects, and insufficient longitudinal data. Moreover, sport-specific findings indicate that the strategic integration of different modalities, as opposed to their solo application, produces optimal results for endurance athletes. Future prospects highlight the necessity for extensive, comparative randomised controlled trials and the promise of smart sensor technology to objectively evaluate therapy efficacy. This evaluation supports evidence-based, personalised treatment regimens that integrate both modalities within a comprehensive sports care framework.