Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
I'm also in the midst of a years-long process of getting my feet to actually function as feet again. Yoga, stretching, strengthening, barefoot and minimal-shoe walking, mobilization exercises, intense massages and self-myofascial release, thinking about my posture pretty much ALL the time... Based on my experience, and the reading and TE discussions that brought me here, I would definitely encourage everyone to try to do that, barring real structural problems. The sooner you can get yourself out of the rigid shoes, the sooner your whole body can work the way it's supposed to. Rigid and mis-aligned feet and ankles have consequences all the way up the kinetic chain.
+1. I've been working on this for at least a year now, especially the yoga and barefoot/minimal shoe parts. It has paid huge dividends in my ongoing battle with my IT band, as well as my overall stamina and fitness. (Sidenote: After my last debillitating ITB flare 6 months ago, I hit the yoga mat bigtime. I successfully ran 3 miles 2 days in a row last week, with no pain. I'm a believer.)

7, sorry to hear about your back pain. I don't have any specific advice, but I hope that you're feeling better soon!