Just like your bike, we’re a sort of machine too. We need to keep the joints and inner organs well tuned and in shape if we want to really get the most out of cycling – don’t you agree. Apart from putting in the right fuel before a ride and doing a few simple exercises before we turn the cranks; the risk of an injury whilst riding is still fairly high.
I’ve personally had a bad lower back, sore neck and numb feet from incorrect bike fitting, but I learnt over time to fine tune and tweak my settings to allow me to feel better when riding. And; just like any other sport, the more you play, the more you (can’t think of a word to rhythm with that, that makes any sense – well, you get the message right)…the more you do a sport, the better you get, so naturally you go for better quality equipment and often get custom made gear.
Custom made cycling components are all well and good, but what happens when things go pear shaped?
Let’s take a look at some of the cycling injuries you can expect to come up against. I think prevention is the best cure, so here goes. Take the time to read about these injuries and Google for more information.
Some of the injuries you may come up against:
- The obvious ones are hip and knee, lower back.
- Shoulder and neck from long rides in the same position, or from ill-fitting stem length and bar configuration.
- Wrist discomfort from prolonged periods of riding in the drop position.
- You just don’t feel right on the bike, and feel uncomfortable.
- Slip and slide up and down your saddle, trying to get the most comfortable position.
- Always switching position on the handlebars to get comfortable.
- Have problems reaching the brakes when you’re riding in the drop position.
- Develop pins and needles in your hands and feet.
- Get the inevitable crotch (perineal) soreness?.
- Develop hot spots on your feet from incorrectly fitted shoes or cleats.
- You find it hard to keep the energy up and high cadence is a problem; and
- Can’t get up those hills and straining is causing muscle cramps.
What can a physio help me with?
Most physiotherapy practices can assist you with positional and set-up changes and aking recommendations to equipment changes if required. The purpose of your visit to a physio is to get an in depth, physical assessment and analysis of your movement patterns on and off your road bike.
Some physio’s will be ‘geared up” and will even go so far as to give you high-tech video analysis of you on your bike which is highly recommended.
Expect to also receive some helpful written programs you can take home to help you improve your comfort and position on the bike.
Recommended Bike Fitting Websites for further information.
Cycle Dynamics
Every rider is unique with varying physical attriubutes, fitness, cycling experience, riding styles, injury history and goals. Fitting systems with a heavy reliance on formulas based on body measurements may be ok for some but often miss the mark due to their overly simplistic nature. Cycle Dynamics takes a holistic approach to bike fitting by taking all relevant factors into account to arrive at a position that best satisfies the needs of each individual client. www.cycledynamics.com.au
Performance Podiatry Brisbane
Professional and recreational cyclists all around the world are discovering the benefits of wearing customised foot orthotics in their cycling shoes.
Cycling orthotics assist with foot, ankle and knee alignment, which greatly improves power translation from the foot to the pedal. Additionally, cycling orthotics reduces fatigue, improves comfort and prevents injury.www.performancepodiatry.com.au