What are some common injuries from Rhythmic cycling, and how can physiotherapy and sports massage help?
A well-liked form of exercise known as Rhythmic Cycling blends stationary riding with cherographed moves to the beat of music. Although it’s a terrific way to stay active and have fun, it can sometimes result in problems such as neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, and knee pain. We’ll discuss these injuries in this post, along with ways that physiotherapy and sports massage can both prevent and treat them.
Common injuries from Rhythmic Cycling
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common injuries in Rhythmic Cycling. This can be caused by improper cycling posture or a lack of core strength. It is essential to have an appropriate bike fit to maintain proper posture and to engage in regular stretching and strengthening activities for your core muscles.
Knee pain
Another common injury in rhythmic cycling is knee pain. Several things, including inadequate bike setup, poor technique, or weak leg muscles might contribute to it. Exercises that build leg strength and flexibility as well as proper bike fit and technique are crucial for preventing knee pain.
Neck and shoulder pain
Poor bike posture can also result in neck and shoulder pain, particularly if you tend to slouch forward or lean your head too far forward. Together with stretching and strengthening workouts, proper bike setup and posture are crucial in preventing neck and shoulder problems.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Assessment
Physiotherapy can help prevent and treat injuries by assessing your body mechanics, posture, and movement patterns. This can assist discovery of any underlying issues that may be causing your injury and aid in the development of an individualised treatment strategy.
Treatment
Physiotherapy treatment methods may include muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. A personalised treatment plan can help relieve pain and improve healing.
Prevention
Physiotherapy can also aid in injury prevention by teaching proper bike setup, posture and technique, as well as devising an exercise program to enhance strength and flexibility.
How can Sports Massage help?
Benefits of Sports Massage
Sports massage can aid in the prevention and treatment of injuries by boosting blood flow and inducing muscle relaxation. This can help relieve muscle tension and pain while also increasing flexibility and range of motion.
Techniques
Deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release are examples of sports massage techniques. A sports massage therapist can customise the treatment to your unique needs and target areas of pain or stress.
When to seek Sports Massage
Sports massage can help prevent injury and enhance recovery both before and after a workout, as well as in between workouts. When you sense muscle tightness or pain, it’s critical to listen to your body and get a sports massage.
To summarise, rhythmic cycling is an excellent type of exercise, but it can also result in musculoskeletal injuries. By identifying underlying issues, implementing individualised treatment plans, and encouraging injury prevention through education and exercise, physiotherapy and sports massage can help prevent and treat these injuries. You can avoid pain and enjoy the many benefits of Rhythmic Cycling by taking care of your body and obtaining professional help when necessary.
Benchmark Physio is a provider of sports massage, physiotherapy and bike fitting services. We provide highly customised solutions to help you meet your health and fitness objectives. Put your trust in us – and engage us to be your rehab and recovery partner today.
This article was written in collaboration with Algorhythm, a rhythmic cycling studio. This article has been carefully written and reviewed by Ng Hong Kai, an experienced physiotherapist and Wu Simin, an experienced rhythmic cycling instructor.
Meet Our Physiotherapist
This article is written by Ng Hong Kai, our Clinic Director and Chief Physiotherapist
Clinic Director and Chief Physiotherapist
- Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), Curtin University (Australia)
- Master of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney (Australia)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sports Science), University of Sydney (Australia)
- Member of Australian College of Physiotherapists and Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Full registration with Allied Health Professions Council, Singapore, and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- GEMt Certified Dry Needling Practitioner
Hong Kai has been practising musculoskeletal physiotherapy for more than a decade. He is the first Singaporean to achieve dual credentials as both an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a tertiary trained Exercise Scientist.
Hong Kai's broad and extensive skillset allows him to create solutions that are simple, effective and tailored to a client’s musculoskeletal needs. His beliefs in continuing education and self improvement led him to complete his Masters in Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), where he had a chance to participate in formal research into knee osteoarthritis under the supervision of world renowned researcher and physiotherapist Prof Peter 0′ Sullivan.
Hong Kai has experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, with a specific focus on addressing lower back, neck, shoulder and knee pain.