IT band Syndrome and the MEAT protocol?

Those who run or cycle are probably familiar with this injury, which on the top ten list of most common running injuries. It's an inflamation of one of the largest tendon or ligament[?] on the body: The Ilio-Tibial Band, when multiple factors [environmental, poor muscle balance, or squeletal structure problems] cause it to rub against the lateral femoral condyle.I've been dealing with this frustrating problem since my early twenties, seeing multiple physiotherapists, 2 pediatrists, and a few doctors. They all assured me that it would be cured within a few weeks or sometimes 4-6 weeks, but as soon as I resumed my activities, my orthotics in my feet, starting gently, doing my exercises, the pain came back. It's now been over ten years and it's greatly affected my overall shape as I have never been able to exercise for a long time [without pain] ever since. I have tried other sports like swimming, but soon developped repetitive sinus and ear Ginfections, as well as injuries in my shoulders. Its kind of funny in a way and it seriously makes me consider that I probably am a total idiot-basket-case type of 'athlete', nontheless, I havent given up entirely.

Traditional therapy hasn't worked for me, so here are some things I am looking at right now:

MEAT protocol [instead of the traditional RICE]

Active Release Techniques, a series of soft-tissue treatments that manually break up the adhesions or scar tissue in muscles, tendons and ligaments
Running times
Answers: http://www.answers.com/topic/active-release-techniques

Prolotherapy


More on the ITBS [Ilio-Tinial Band Syndrome] and related problems that may cause it.
ITBS on emedicine [your traditional medecine evaluation.

Hip Abductor Weakness

Gluteus Medius Weakness
Beginner Tri [but you have to be a member to read full article.]
Triatlete Mag Stretching tips [ah! I use to do those...]

And an excellent link with some exercises

Hip Extension and Abduction Dysfunction