Physical Therapy for Cyclist Injuries

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Cycling can be a low-impact form of exercise, but it can still lead to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries that cyclists may experience include low back pain, knee pain (such as iliotibial band syndrome or patellofemoral pain syndrome), neck and shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor bike fit, muscle imbalances, and improper body mechanics. It is important for cyclists to pay attention to their bodies and seek a professional if they experience any persistent pain or discomfort while riding. Physical therapy for cyclists focuses on improving strength, mobility, endurance, and technique. A physical therapist can also help you reduce risk of injury by adapting your bike so that it fits optimally.  We work with all types of cyclists. From road bikers to mountain bikers, to recreational riders, we work with them all. 

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Physical therapy can be an essential part of a cyclist's training and recovery regimen. Whether you are a professional racer or a weekend warrior, maintaining proper body mechanics and addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances can help you ride stronger, longer, and with fewer injuries. Here are the most common injuries for cyclists:

1. Low back pain: This is a common injury among cyclists due to the prolonged bent-over position that is necessary to ride a bike. Poor posture and muscle imbalances can contribute to low back pain.

2. Knee pain: Overuse injuries of the knee, such as iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome, are common among cyclists. These injuries can be caused by improper bike fit, muscle imbalances, and poor pedaling technique.

3. Neck and shoulder pain: The repetitive nature of cycling can lead to neck and shoulder pain, especially if the bike is not properly fitted or if the rider has poor posture.

4. Numbness and tingling in the hands: This can be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the wrist and hand, which can be exacerbated by gripping the handlebars too tightly or by a bike that is not properly fitted.

5. Numbness and tingling in the feet: This can be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the foot and ankle, which can be exacerbated by using cycling shoes that are too tight or by a bike that is not properly fitted.

6. Falls: If you are a cyclist you know that it's not a matter if you will fall but when. There are a variety of acute injuries that can happen when you fall. Most of these injuries can be improved with physical therapy. Where you strained a muscle, sprained your wrist or shoulder, or have a muscle contusion, a physical therapist in Renton or Seattle can help. 

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​Our Bike rehab Renton can help you not only recover from these types of injuries but will also help to prevent future occurrence. Sports physical therapy is much different than traditional physical therapy because of the goals and level of performance needed to return to the field after injury.

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It is important to find a sports therapist for these types of injuries. Our specialists will be able to help you map the exact plan to get you back to the field at maximal performance. 

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