Bike Fitting
Stockwell Physical Therapy is passionate about all sports and is especially knowledgeable about cycling, both competitive and recreational. We aim to assist our clients in achieving their fitness and riding goals by helping them recover through injuries, advising them on proper training principles, and fitting them properly to their bicycles. Cycling is a sport of tremendously high repetition, so if the bicycle is not fitted properly to the individual there is an increased risk of connective tissue stress and injury. We have worked with many cyclists and triathletes who compete in a wide variety of events.
Steve Stockwell has been treating recreational and competitive cyclists since 1993 and has specialized in bike fitting since 2000. He is an avid cyclist himself and has raced competitively for over 20 years at the regional and national level in road and track cycling. He still races locally for the Sunapee Masters Cycling Team and also enjoys competing in shorter distance triathlons.
Bike Fitting Services:
Our bike fitting will improve your comfort when riding while also helping you avoid injury. The session involves the adjustment of seat height and forward/back position based upon inseam measurement and plumb bob alignment, as well as handlebar height and position. The bike fitting also includes a flexibility screening, a foot biomechanical assessment, and a cleat/pedal alignment based upon Q-angle, forefoot position, and tibial torsion of the lower limb. The purpose of this 60+ minute session is to not only improve comfort but also pedal efficiency and performance. (Cost is $150.)
Common Cycling Related Injuries We Treat:
- Patella Tendonitis: An inflammatory condition of the patella tendon of the knee usually caused by overuse or by increasing volume/intensity too quickly. It is treated with a variety of manual techniques and modalities as well as through evaluating bike fit and cleat/pedal position.
- Chrondromalacia: An irritation to the undersurface of the kneecap usually caused by overuse and abnormal alignment of the foot, knee, and hip. It is treated with taping, by strengthening weak muscles, and by adjusting alignment with wedges or orthotics.
- IT Band Syndrome: Inflammation of the wide fibrous band on the outside of the knee that can cause a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from the outside to the middle of the knee. It is usually treated through a proper bike fit and cleat/pedal position.
- Pes Anserine Bursitis/Tendinitis: Inflammation of the medial hamstring and adductor attachments. This is often fixed by lowering the saddle height and lessening the float in the pedal/cleat system.
- Back and Neck Pain: Discomfort often caused by an improper bike fit and/or core instability. It can generally be solved through a proper bike fit. Body posture and flexibility, as well as a good core stabilization program, also need to be addressed to reduce the stress to the lower back during forceful pedaling.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Causes pain at the heel bone and sometimes sounds like a rusty hinge when the foot is moved up and down. It is treated with stretching, inflammatory control, heel lifts/orthotics, and a program of eccentric strengthening.
- Wrist/Hand Numbness: Loss of feeling due to a saddle tilt and handlebar position that puts pressure on the hand and wrist. The symptoms can be alleviated with a different bar and/or handlebar tape thickness and gloves.
