Pedal it out with Physiotherapy!!

Pedal it out with Physiotherapy!!

(L-R: Physio team - Purva, Aarohi, Kabir Rachure, Devyani and Sumit)

Recently, I had an opportunity to work as a crew member for a renowned Indian ultra-cyclist, Kabir Rachure attempting the toughest bicycle race known as the Race Across America (RAAM). Often addressed to as the grandfather of the Tour de France race, RAAM spans a whopping 5200 kms distance across 12 states with a cumulative climbing of over 1,70,000 feet - all this is to be completed in a span of no more than just 12 days!!

-Devyani Tikle, Physiotherapist & Crew member for Kabir Rachure.

"Sports injuries do differ to everyday injuries. Athletes normally require high level performance and demand placed upon their body, which stresses their muscles, joints and bones to the limit. Sports Physiotherapists help athletes recover from sports injuries. Ultra-cycling is one of the most risky sports in terms of injuries because your body works nonstop day and night... And if a physiotherapist is there to take care of this, they can manage the fatigue and pain properly and save you from any incident injuries." 

-KABIR RACHURE (Solo RAAM 2019 finisher)

Cycling as a sport which was little known to many in India, even just until a few decades ago. It is now gaining a lot of popularity amongst youngsters and adults alike. While there are many ways to classify competitive cycling races, one of them divides the sport into three major categories:

•  Time Trials: Cyclists need to cover a particular distance within a particular time period
• Endurance Cycling: All those races that cover distances larger than 100 miles are considered to be ultra-distance
• Racing: Road bicycle racing is the most popular form of bicycle racing held on paved roads.

Cycling, being a physically demanding sport, injuries are quite common. These generally fall under two broad categories:

• Overuse injuries: Due to highly repetitive movements and sustained postures
• Traumatic injuries: Due to falls and crashes.

Just because injuries are “common”, doesn’t mean they are unavoidable!! Proper technique, optimal training and team work with experts can help reduce the risk of overuse injuries.

Not many are aware that physiotherapy in cycling can be used before, during, as well as after training and tournament. It can help in PREHAB by preventing risk of overuse injuries like the lower back pain, knee pain, neck pain, wrist pain, numbness in hands and feet commonly affecting cyclists. The PREHAB program also equally focuses on enhancing performance and monitoring load which can avoid overtraining. It is designed after full assessment of the cyclist - on and off saddle. Detailed video-graphic analyses can be done to check the movements of the body on the cycle. Muscles can be individually strengthened or stretched to bring out the correct movement pattern while cycling.

On-field physiotherapy for cyclists mainly involves dealing with effects of environmental conditions, which can lead to cramps, fatigue, soreness and dehydration. Icing, foam rolling, soft tissue release, taping and stretching, paired with adequate hydration and proper nutrition often solve these problems.

Any injury creates a huge set back in the sports career of the cyclist. It affects performance and has a negative impact on his/her physical, emotional and mental health. In addition, a previous injury can increase the chances of a re-injury or a new injury. Thus, complete recovery from an injury with proper REHAB under an experienced physiotherapist is critical for effective return to sport. The rehabilitation program is customized according to the cyclist’s injury for a powerful comeback.

-Devyani T, Arohi D, Sumit J, Purva G.
(Physio Team at REHAB STATION)

Advisor: Dr. Parag Ranade (PT).

We at REHAB STATION are all set and geared up to guide you with PREHAB and REHAB for an efficient pedaling experience. Book your appointment now.

Where can you find us?
Address: REHAB STATION, 259, Shaniwar Peth, Vishnukrupa building, Level 3, Pune-411030
Contact: +91 88888 33508/ 020 24493526/ 020 24463860
Email ID: contact@rehabstation.in
Visit: www.rehabstation.in

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