Last Updated on November 9, 2021
Cycling is a popular way to stay in shape, commute, lose weight and maintain cardio health. Portland is one of America’s best biking cities supported by one of the country’s largest cycling communities.
While cycling helps maintains overall health the posture and muscle strain associated with cycling leads to some common injuries which can be easily addressed with acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Knee pain
- Knee pain is one of the most common overuse injuries associated with cycling. This injury often occurs due to poor positioning on the bike. Seats that are too high or too low can contribute to knee strain. Imbalance in the quad and hamstrings muscles can also contribute to strain and tendonitis.
- Acupuncture and Chiropractic care help balance the quad muscle group and relieve pain and tendonitis in the knee.
Lower Back Pain
- The forward leaning posture associated with cycling can lead directly to low back pain. Long periods of time in this position lead to fatigue of the back erector muscles and aching pain.
- Acupuncture and Chiropractic work by relieving the tight muscles, improving spine posture and activating core muscles to help reduce the back pain.
Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis occurs as a result of repetitive strain and overuse. Tension in the calf muscles, improper foot wear and overuse can cause the Achilles tendon to become sore and swollen. If left untreated tendonitis can lead to thickening and scarring of the tendon.
- Acupuncture and Chiropractic care work to lengthen the tight calf muscles. Treatment of the Achilles increases local blood circulation and speeds the recovery of the swollen tissue while relieving pain.
Muscle Tightness
- Calves and hamstrings are the most common muscles to become shortened and ache as a result of cycling. The pain is often felt when off the cycle, while sitting or even while in bed.
- Proper stretching, foam rolling and strengthening of the opposing muscle groups is important for avoiding more serious injuries.
- Our acupuncturists and chiropractor are trained in sports medicine techniques to teach proper care. Acupuncture and chiropractic help restore proper muscle length and posture to reduce pain.
Neck Pain
- The posture associated with cycling leads directly to neck pain. Pain at the posterior neck is caused by muscles that shorten to hold the neck up. While having a more upright bike reduces neck strain it as reduces power.
- Proper stretching and strengthening can help reduce pain, while acupuncture and chiropractic care relieve muscles and restore muscle balance.