Virtual therapy can help you learn how to prevent injury while cycling

Many of us have spent time doing more physical activity during the COVID pandemic, and cycling is one of the activities that many people have chosen, with good reason. 

Cycling can help boost your cardiovascular health, and it places less stress on your joints than other options like running. It’s also been reported that cycling participation has increased by 20% or more in much of the U.S. so far this year. In spite of its many benefits, it is possible to injure yourself while cycling outdoors or indoors. A virtual physical therapy specialist can help you learn how to prevent injury while cycling. 

Three tips that can help you prevent injury while cycling

Learning how to prevent injury while cycling is important for people who want to make this activity a regular thing. After all, cycling can lead to repetitive strain injuries if done improperly. A physical therapist can give you some effective injury-prevention tips during a virtual session. Three tips your therapist may give you are: 

1. Don’t overreach — It’s never a good idea to push yourself too hard while exercising. This is especially true if your activity level has been reduced) the past few months or years. Overtraining your muscles and other soft tissue can make it harder for them to recover in time for your next session, and this can increase your risk of an injury. Your therapist can help you develop an exercise plan that gradually builds the length and intensity of your cycling sessions. 

2. Warm up — Dynamic movements are intended to help warm up your muscles and joints before a workout. They also help get your blood flowing. Some movements that your therapist could recommend using before your cycling sessions include: 

• Supine heel taps
• Glute bridges
• Squats
• Lunges

3. Stretch after cycling — Your physical therapist is also likely to recommend stretching after your cycling sessions. This can help reduce post-workout soreness and stiffness. Your stretching routine should target areas that are likely to be sore or stiff after cycling, which can include your:

• Lower back
• Hamstrings
• Upper traps
• Core muscles
• Glutes
• Calves

Want to learn more cycling injury prevention tips? Agile Virtual PT can help!

At Agile Virtual PT, our team is committed to helping you prevent injuries that come from your normal daily activities, including cycling. There are many ways our team can help you prevent cycling injuries. First, we can evaluate your movement, strength and flexibility. Then, we can build you a personalized therapy plan that can include: 

• Tips for preventing injuries.
• Education about common cycling injuries.
• Warmup and stretching routines individualized to you. 
• Demonstrating dynamic warmup movements or post-workout stretches. 

Contact our team today for more information about our injury treatment and prevention services or to schedule an initial appointment.