How Does Physical Therapy Help In Preventing Cycling Injuries?
Are you tired of dealing with knee pain every time you go out for a ride on your cycle? Have you tried adjusting the fit of your bike but still have pain? At Elder Athlete Physical Therapy, our physical therapists have proven success treating cyclists and can help ensure a proper fit on the saddle.
Whether you are new to cycling or have been riding for years, injuries can interfere with your enjoyment of getting on your bike and going for a ride. It is essential for every cyclist to have a proper bike fitting for comfort and to reduce the risk of injury.
Not all cyclists in know that a physical therapist at Elder Athlete Physical Therapy has experience identifying and treating common limitations affecting your fit. We will make any necessary adjustments to your bike so your body can achieve the required movements and positions to make a proper fit possible.
At Elder Athlete Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will identify any weakness and restriction that may be causing pain. We’ll provide the tools to resolve your limitations to get out and ride pain-free!
Request an appointment with one of our specialists!
What type of injuries do cyclists face?
Riding bikes is common in all countries worldwide. For some, cycling is used as a mode of transportation. In other situations, people use recreational cycling as one of their primary forms of exercise. The longer a rider is in the saddle (seat), the risk of overuse-type injuries increases.
Most cycling-related injuries are associated with overuse-type injuries or improper bicycle fit. Prolonged postures and repetitive movements are the main reasons for pain/injuries. Eliminating compression and overuse symptoms is one of the most important keys to preventing injuries by improving bike fittings.
Cycling is a popular form of exercise and transportation, but it can also lead to a variety of injuries, especially if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some of the most common cycling injuries that physical therapists may treat:
Knee Injuries: Knee pain is one of the most common cycling-related injuries, and can be caused by improper bike fit, muscle imbalances, or overuse. Common knee injuries include patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, and meniscus tears.
Back Pain: Cycling can put significant strain on the lower back, especially during long rides. Poor posture, improper bike fit, and overuse can all contribute to back pain. Common conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Neck Pain: Neck pain is also common in cyclists, especially if the handlebars are too low or too far forward. This can lead to strain in the neck muscles and cervical spine.
Hand and Wrist Injuries: Cyclists may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and wrists due to prolonged pressure on the handlebars. Common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome and handlebar palsy.
Foot Pain: Foot pain can result from improper bike fit, tight shoes, or overuse. Common conditions include plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia.
Physical therapists can help cyclists recover from these injuries by developing personalized treatment plans that may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat and ice. They can also provide education on proper bike fit, posture, and training to help prevent future injuries.
Injuries may also occur due to an accident, mainly from a collision with a motor vehicle or a fall due to road surface damage and obstacles or mechanical problems with the bicycle (i.e., flat tire or issue with chain).
Physical therapists at Elder Athlete Physical Therapy can help cyclists recover from these injuries by developing personalized treatment plans and also provide education on proper bike fit, posture, and training to help prevent future injuries.
Physical therapy for recovery and prevention of injuries
Our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address any weakness or restriction in your trunk or pelvis. Lower extremities are essential to optimize comfort and reduce injury risk. At Elder Athlete Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will thoroughly evaluate all the factors contributing to pain and injury.
Our team will assess the biomechanical factors contributing to your pain/injury. We understand how cadence, power output, crank length, saddle position, saddle height, and foot positions all affect cyclists’ likelihood of developing pain and overuse-type injuries.
Our specialists will develop a comprehensive program tailored to your specific situation. Our programs will likely include targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, and any appropriate pain relief technique tailored to the individual cyclist.
Your physical therapist will then ensure your body can properly align the joints, rider position, and pedaling mechanics to assist you in a safe return to training and enjoying your time riding!
Request an appointment today!
Don’t let an injury keep you off your bike. Our expert physical therapists at Elder Athlete Physical Therapy, specialize in treating cycling-related injuries and can help you optimize your cycling mechanics, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your overall performance.
Book your appointment today and start achieving your cycling goals! Call us today!
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5973630/
- https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2019/12000/cycling_biomechanics_optimization_the__r_.13.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717478/
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0515/p2007.html
- https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/6/1/e000840.abstract
- https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.7196/SAJSM.555?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=South_African_Journal_of_Sports_Medicine_TrendMD_1