Chiropractic 4 cycling
Benefits of Chiropractic for Cyclists
By Dr. Melissa Hutchings
Curious about chiropractic care as a cyclist? Wondering how to improve your riding and prevent injuries? Well, there is no arguing that cycling is a great form of exercise that benefits not only your physical health, but also your mental health in a variety of ways. However, as with any physical activity, cycling has the potential to cause discomfort for the body or even injury. These risks are increased, especially if you have poor posture or improper bike fit. One effective way to prevent or alleviate these issues is through chiropractic care. Never been to a chiropractor? Chiropractic care is a type of healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, particularly those affecting the spine, though they are not limited to just the spine. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to adjust the spine and other joints in the body, with the goal of restoring proper mobility and improving overall function. They are also able to provide exercises and other therapies in order to help their patients reach their goals.
If you're a cyclist, you may benefit from chiropractic care in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved posture: Cycling requires a significant amount of time in a forward-leaning, bent position, which can cause muscular imbalances in the back and lead to poor or dysfunctional posture. Chiropractic adjustments can help to mobilize your spine, reducing tension and pressure on your muscles and joints, and allowing you to maintain a more natural, upright posture. They can also administer soft tissue techniques to help relieve muscle tightness and increase mobility in your body.
Reduced pain: Cycling can lead to a range of musculoskeletal issues, from neck and back pain to knee and hip pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help to moderate this pain by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and restoring proper joint function. Motion is lotion for the body’s joints and continued chiropractic care promotes joint integrity, ensuring healthy, happier joints for longer.
Increased flexibility: Cycling can also cause tightness in the muscles and joints, particularly in the lower back and hips. Chiropractic care can help to improve your range of motion, flexibility, and mobility, making it easier to perform the movements required for cycling and reducing your risk of injury.
Better performance: When your body is properly functioning and the joints are moving optimally, you'll likely experience better performance on your bike. Chiropractic care can help to improve your balance and stability, allowing you to generate more power and ride more efficiently.
Quicker recovery: If you do experience an injury or discomfort while cycling, chiropractic care can help to speed up your recovery time. By addressing the root cause of your pain and providing targeted adjustments and therapies, chiropractors can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing so you can return to the activities you love sooner.
In addition to chiropractic care, there are other steps you can take to ensure that you're getting the most out of your cycling routine. These include:
Proper bike fit: Ensuring that your bike is properly fitted to your body can help to reduce the risk of injury and improve your comfort on the bike. A professional bike fitting can help you to adjust your seat height, handlebar position, and other factors to optimize your riding position. Improperly fitted bikes can cause chronic pain and ultimately increase the risk for injury.
Stretching and mobility work: Incorporating stretching and mobility exercises into your routine can help to reduce muscle tension and improve your range of motion, making it easier to perform the movements required for cycling. It is important to give all muscles equal attention during your warmup and cool down, focusing on only major muscles groups is a recipe for disaster.
Proper nutrition and hydration: Fueling your body with the right nutrition and staying hydrated is essential for optimal performance and recovery. Be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes the major nutrients, fat, protein and carbohydrates, and drink plenty of water before, during, and after your rides.
In conclusion, cycling is a great form of exercise that can provide a range of physical and mental benefits. However, it's important to take steps to prevent and address any musculoskeletal issues that may arise from your cycling routine. Chiropractic care can be an effective way to alleviate pain and improve posture and flexibility. Don’t be afraid to ask your chiropractor for methods on and off the bike to improve your cycling experience!
Dr. Melissa Hutchings is a chiropractor at Cranbrook Chiropractic and Wellness in Cranbrook, BC. As a former college athlete, Dr. Mel understands the importance of maintaining health and fitness with the help of hands on medicine. A recent graduate from the University of Western States, Dr. Mel loves cycling with her husband and exploring new hiking paths in the area. She will be hosting the warm up for the Grando Fondo this upcoming September.