07: Inside IT Band Syndrome: Biomechanics, Stress, and Recovery

In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and physical therapist Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards team up to break down a challenging and relatable case of IT Band Syndrome in a 25-year-old female runner. What begins as knee pain following increased training and emotional stress unfolds into a deep dive on biomechanics, movement evaluation, nutrition, recovery, and the mind–body connection.
Kate walks listeners through the full clinical picture from movement screens and gait analysis to the complex interplay between hip strength, foot mechanics, and neuromuscular control. Dr. Sara highlights the medical lens, including pain modulation, the role of the hip joint, and when interventions like shockwave therapy or injections can help support progress. Kelsey adds a nutrition-centered perspective, sharing how hydration, collagen-supportive foods, inflammation management, and lifestyle factors can influence tissue health and recovery.
Together, the team explores why IT Band Syndrome develops, how emotional load and training spikes contribute, what to expect from a proper rehab timeline, and how seemingly small insights from running shoes to callus patterns can reveal key movement issues. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of evidence-informed gait retraining, strength programming, and the importance of patience and consistency in healing.
Whether you're a runner, clinician, or coach, this case is packed with practical takeaways, thoughtful discussion, and a healthy dose of running-nerdery. 00:00 Welcome & introductions
01:00 Case overview: 25-year-old runner with IT Band Syndrome
04:30 Biomechanical findings: hip drop, knee valgus & overpronation
08:30 Dr. Raiser’s medical insights: stress, pain patterns & recovery timelines
12:30 Nutrition perspective: hydration, collagen & inflammation support
16:00 PT approach: manual therapy, strength work & when to start gait retraining
20:40 Footwear clues & common shoe/orthotic mistakes
22:30 Key takeaways: patience, stress awareness & long-term strength development
23:50 Closing thoughts & call to action

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