How chiropractic can help cyclists
Cycling is one of our favourite non-weight bearing exercises. It is great for cardiovascular health, weight management, developing muscle of the lower extremity, and for commuting. However, there are some drawbacks associated with cycling due to the repetitive nature of the sport. Cyclists tend to have a rounded upper back and rounded shoulders due to learning on the handlebars of the bike. The neck is often extended in order to see where you are going. The hip flexors are tight due to being in a prolonged seated position. This posture mimics people who spend excessive time on computers, and to be corrected, chiropractic and exercises can help.
HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP?
With prolonged flexion of the thoracic spine, we lose the ability to extend and maintain good posture. Chiropractic provides specific adjustments to help create a movement where there is no movement. After the movement is created your chiropractor will provide rehabilitative exercise to ensure that that the adjustment holds.
Internally rotated shoulders are mainly due to tight pectorals & lats and need to be released. Our sports massage therapists are the gold standard in soft tissue therapy and will help regain the pliability and length of your powerful internal rotators.
Anterior head carriage is due to inhibited deep neck flexors and can be corrected through an exercise such as the chin tuck. However, this movement can be challenging and some people end up flexing their chin to their chest. With the help of your chiropractor, you will be guided on how to correctly do this movement to make lasting change.
Hip flexors originate on the vertebral bodies of L1-L5 and insert on the lesser trochanter of the femur. In other words, these muscles are deep in the abdominal cavity and can not simply be rolled out. Using stretching and release techniques – your practitioner will relax the muscles surrounding your abdominals and lengthen them so they aren’t so consistently tight.
If you want to make an appointment with us then please call 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk - we look forward to seeing you soon!