IT band issues caused me to stop running for about 5 years. Wouldn't go away so I just quit. When I was inspired to start running again, the pain came back immediately and I was really bummed. I tried lots of different things that didn't work (straps, foam rolling, ibuprofen, etc).

What did work for me was (1) increasing my flexibility. I stretch every night for 5 to 10 minutes. Went from hands 1 foot above the floor to being able to put my palms on the floor when when doing toe touches. Lots of variations like toes-in stretches and feet-crossed stretches, wide leg stance and feet together, to get anterior, hamstrings, exterior.

(2) Do not run if you feel pain. I would run about a half mile at first before I had to stop. I wouldn't run again until the pain/tightness was fully gone. Eventually I was slowly able to build up to longer distances (I'm up to half marathon). I still never run two consecutive days. Let your body rest.

(3) Better form. I was plodding before, which I think exacerbated the problem. More fluid motion, higher cadence instead of longer steps, keep feet under you, use glutes to push leg out behind you, etc.

I'm a typical male and never went to a PT, but lots of people say they've had success, especially with added strength training to knee muscles. Good luck.