Runners who do back stretching exercises while still in the saddleThey arch backwards, or they make neck movements. Those 50 minutes at full speed on the time trial bike, with their backs arched to compensate for the push of their legs (Almeyda at the start in Valdobbiadene, at the last Giro). Hours in the saddle bring with them a whole series of aches and pains, especially in the back and neck., because no matter how perfect, the position on a bicycle is never too comfortable. This time, therefore, we asked Dr. Maurizio Radi, Physiotherapist and Osteopath, owner of the Physiotherapy Center of Pesaro, What are the ailments of cyclists and what are their causes?. Being an avid practitioner himself, he immediately hit the nail on the head.
The neck is constantly tense to look at the road. Which muscles or nerves are stressed by this position?
To look ahead on the road, the neck muscles that are most stressed are the extensors because the non-physiological position makes them work constantly in contraction. Furthermore the position on the bike alters the series of physiological curves of the spine not only cervical but also dorsal and lumbar. We also have to consider all the microtraumas, which have repercussions on the cervical and dorsal area, coming from the road such as vibrations and jolts, which are always increasing given the increasingly degrading conditions of the roads.
What type of massage or remedy can be used to ensure that the neck regains its suppleness?
Before thinking about the remedy, I would recommend doing a lot of prevention trying to work on the spine and related muscles with stretching exercises, muscle toning and joint mobility exercises. We must start thinking that on a bicycle you don't just push yourself with your legs and therefore we must not take for granted that our osteo-articular and musculotendinous system always functions perfectly.
Can the cold make the situation more extreme?
Surely yes, you just have to see How many problems do professional cyclists have when it rains or is cold?Unfortunately, riders perceive the cold differently from other athletes, as it is a high wind impact sport and this causes major discomfort to the musculoskeletal system.
What is the usual back massage to restore elasticity?
Today we know different massage techniques or I would say better than manual therapyIn my experience, I say that situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We can go from a relaxing massage to a deep transverse massage to fibrolysis sessions or Graston Technique, up to availing of the support of instrumental therapy (such as Tecar, laser, etc.)
We work on muscle groups, but we often notice the masseur lingering along the spine: what is he doing?
The human body is a perfect machine made of many muscles, bones and joints all connected to each other, all innervated by the nervous system that starts from the spinal column where every individual experiences some pain. Therefore, a cyclist, as previously mentioned, given the posture he maintains on his bike for hours, It definitely puts her under more stress than others and that's why the masseur works there for so long.
Runners sometimes talk about tingling in their hands: what causes them?
Here we have to examine the possible causes. First, verify that there are no cervical pathologies such as disc disease, protrusions, or hernias. Then, perform a proper assessment of the rider, starting from his or her history, analyzing any past traumas and injuries that may have left physical consequences. Finally, assess whether there are postural imbalancesAfter taking a medical history and properly assessing the athlete, also recommend checking their position on the bike.
Does the massage, which they do every day during the Giro and drops to twice a week during off-race periods, have the function of aiding recovery?
Yes, massage for an athlete must be an integral part of his competitive and non-competitive activityA good massage is always useful for good physical recovery and not only, sometimes it also helps with psychological recovery.
In which of the above cases could osteopathic intervention be useful?
Always after a fall, as it is necessary to verify what happened from an osteo-articular point of view. But I would say that by now the osteopath's intervention It is essential before, during and after physical activity.
