Physiotherapy

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum but have visited the website and browsed the forum quite a few times. I have also ridden the Autumn Breeze which is a great event. Unfortunately my time is limited and I wouldn't be able to join in on club rides so I haven't ever signed up. That may change as the children get older.

I'm here asking for help. I've been a pretty keen cyclist for a while and last year hit a pretty good peak where I was lean and fast and could climb well when I went to France. I love riding my bike. Unfortunately this year hasn't started well. I had a minor back injury in January which interfered with my riding for a while. We then had a break-in and I had my Cervelo taken. I got over this by getting a new bike which I really love but I have only covered 60 miles on it because I've injured my back again, this time seriously.

It's been over six weeks since I did the damage. The problem wasn't bike related but stupidly I thought I could go out on the bike, ride through the pain and then stretch out afterwards and solve everything. Deep down I knew it was too bad to ride but I went out anyway.

I have Spondylilosthesis of the L5-SI joint which has never been a real problem. When I get back ache I normally exercise and stretch out and get back to normal. I believe this time I've damaged the disc in that joint and recovery has been slow. I've just gone back to office duties on reduced hours at work but am massively depressed by my state. I've put on loads of weight, and can't see that I'll get any real riding in at all this year. I'm scheduled to ride in the Castelli 24hr race in Feltre this June but I'm going to have to drop out as I'll be lucky to even be getting on a bike by then.

I've seen a physio for a handful of sessions and am lined up to see another this week at the hospital. I'm waiting for an MRI but still don't have a date. The reason I need your help is that I don't think a general physio can understand what I want to achieve. I really would like to speak to someone that has experience of dealing with cyclists or at lease a sports focussed physio'. Someone that can help me with a rehab plan with cycling in mind. I am hoping that the club might have a local specialist that has helped members before? Google searches are good for finding local physiotherapists or cycling specific physiotherapists but not local. Can anyone help?

Thank you.

Sorry to hear about you back. Never a nice injury to have to deal with on a daily basis.

Not sure it's exactly what you want, but I had some SI joint issues a few years ago and saw a few physio's and specialists with little progress. I finally went to see Rosemary Hand in Great Gransden. She understood the problem immediatley (unlike others) and prescribed a clear route to resolving the issue. It worked a treat and I haven't had reason to go back and see her since.

Her number is 07595 041121.
www.physiocambridge.co.uk

Rich

I see an osteopath between Kimbolton and Catworth (the trading estate part way up there) at Holistic Hands. He does Friday evenings if it's easier for you and have had osteo treatment on both my shoulders (one used to self-dislocate due to damaged rotator cuff muscles and other side managed to break my collarbone into three pieces)

01480 869404

Goes a bit further than the standard physios that I have seen. Also consider looking up Foundation Training, it's predominantly core exercises but also works on a lot of the connected structures. The Garmin Sharp, sorry Garmindale, boys such as Jack Bauer do it.

Thank you for the quick responses guys, that's given me something to look at. I actually know the centre manager at Holistic Hands (children go to the same school) but I didn't realise they had an Osteopath. I'll speak to her next week.

I've had a good look at the website for the physio' in Grantchester too. That one looks really promising as there is strong reference to sports injuries etc. looks worth the drive so I'll call them in the morning.

I've had a good day today and feel a bit more positive but I'll be a whole load happier when I can get on the bike again. Shiny new bike and I can't ride it!

Thanks again.

Gary Smith
Only if you want FIXING!!!!
Letchworth
01462 482009

I wasted 6 Years and a lot of money going back to a Chiropractor in Brampton
This guy fixed ne in 2 visits
Specialises on traction and does all chiropractor stuff too