Sporting injuries are a pain, as we move into summer and people get out and about more there is a greater risk of damage being done.

Since the 2012 Olympics many people have taken up new sport, for some that means a stroll in the park, power walking of course, for many others cycling is king.

Physiofusion has seen a rise in new clients who are keen cyclists, especially since the wonderful spectacle of the Tour de France, and the Bike to Work scheme has encouraged many to cycle to their place of work. Inevitably this means people falling victim to injuries due to impact, strain on muscles and bones that they haven’t exercised in a long time, and other problems caused by people acquiring a bike that is wrong for their physique or has not been set up specifically for you.

 Sam House, Clinical Director of Physiofusion, has prepared a list of eight things that riders can do to prevent harm caused by cycling, and to assist riders to get over the effects of such injury.

• People who have an injury to the knees or ankles should be careful which toe clipless pedal/cleat system they choose as it could irritate an injury. Saddle height and gear selection can also be critical. If they are uncertain what this means they should have a word with Sam. 
• Potential riders should read up about cycling training and find advice appropriate to the level of cycling that they want to achieve and what terrain there is on their doorstep. Better still, join a club or ask advice of one – the good ones are very approachable. People should be careful, not over reaching themselves by being too ambitious until they have sought sound advice. 
• Consider compression garments to aid muscular force but also muscle recovery post ride. Protein-based recovery drinks can also help repair muscles and prepare them for their next workout.
• Riders should train their glutes - they often get forgotten.
• Hamstrings are often too short for the ideal bike set-up position and will benefit from a stretch either after a ride or after a gentle warm-up.
• Riders should alter the height and reach of their bars using a different stem or more/less spacers to balance their weight distribution. Think 60% saddle and 40% handlebars and you won’t be too far out.
• Core is almost always forgotten about - leg force needs to have a stable pelvis and spine to get the most out of each revolution, making the rider more efficient. Training on rollers can also help by improving ones core/balance and pedalling technique. A rocking torso will fatigue the rider faster than a stable one.
• If you think something is wrong, talk to us! We have a free Ask-A-Physio service on our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

By seeking sensible, professional advice people can save a great deal of pain and discomfort!                      

Physiofusion believe in the prevention and management of injuries so that the riders time off of the bike is as limited as possible and so they can get back to doing what they love.