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Writer's pictureDr. W Zach Smith

5 Most common injuries in cycling

Updated: Jan 30, 2023



Cycling can be a low-impact form of exercise, but it can still lead to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries that cyclists may experience include low back pain, knee pain (such as iliotibial band syndrome or patellofemoral pain syndrome), neck and shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor bike fit, muscle imbalances, and improper body mechanics. It is important for cyclists to pay attention to their bodies and seek a professional if they experience any persistent pain or discomfort while riding. Physical therapy for cyclists focuses on improving strength, mobility, endurance, and technique. A physical therapist can also help you reduce risk of injury by adapting your bike so that it fits optimally.


Physical therapy can be an essential part of a cyclist's training and recovery regimen. Whether you are a professional racer or a weekend warrior, maintaining proper body mechanics and addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances can help you ride stronger, longer, and with fewer injuries.


Here are the most common injuries for cyclists:

  1. Low back pain: This is a common injury among cyclists due to the prolonged bent-over position that is necessary to ride a bike. Poor posture and muscle imbalances can contribute to low back pain.

  2. Knee pain: Overuse injuries of the knee, such as iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome, are common among cyclists. These injuries can be caused by improper bike fit, muscle imbalances, and poor pedaling technique.

  3. Neck and shoulder pain: The repetitive nature of cycling can lead to neck and shoulder pain, especially if the bike is not properly fitted or if the rider has poor posture.

  4. Numbness and tingling in the hands: This can be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the wrist and hand, which can be exacerbated by gripping the handlebars too tightly or by a bike that is not properly fitted.

  5. Numbness and tingling in the feet: This can be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the foot and ankle, which can be exacerbated by using cycling shoes that are too tight or by a bike that is not properly fitted.



Low back pain is a common injury among cyclists due to the prolonged bent-over position that is necessary to ride a bike. Poor posture and muscle imbalances can contribute to low back pain. Physical therapy can help to improve posture and address muscle imbalances through a variety of techniques, including strengthening exercises, stretches, and manual therapy.


Knee pain, such as iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome, is another common injury among cyclists. These injuries can be caused by improper bike fit, muscle imbalances, and poor pedaling technique. Physical therapy can help to identify and correct these underlying issues, as well as provide specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.


Neck and shoulder pain is a common complaint among cyclists, especially if the bike is not properly fitted or if the rider has poor posture. Physical therapy can help to improve posture and address muscle imbalances that may be contributing to neck and shoulder pain.


Numbness and tingling in the hands can be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the wrist and hand. This can be exacerbated by gripping the handlebars too tightly or by a bike that is not properly fitted. Physical therapy can help to address any underlying issues and provide techniques to alleviate symptoms.

Numbness and tingling in the feet can also be caused by pressure on the nerves that run through the foot and ankle. This can be exacerbated by using cycling shoes that are too tight or by a bike that is not properly fitted. Physical therapy can help to address any underlying issues and provide techniques to alleviate symptoms.


In addition to addressing specific injuries, physical therapy can also help to prevent future problems by improving overall body mechanics. This may include techniques such as bike riding technique analysis, to ensure proper alignment and movement patterns, as well as functional movement screens to identify and address any underlying imbalances. Bike riding technique analysis is an invaluable tool for cyclists of all experience levels to assess and improve their performance. Through this process, riders are able to identify the areas in which they excel, as well as those requiring more attention and development. By breaking down each part of their ride into its separate components - from pedal strokes to positioning on the bicycle - experienced therapists can provide detailed feedback to help riders make changes that optimize efficiency and enhance their rides overall. Technique analysis provides a great foundation for any cyclist looking to refine their skills and prevent injuries on the bike


So whether you are recovering from an injury or looking to optimize your performance, don't underestimate the benefits of physical therapy for cyclists. It can help you ride stronger, longer, and with fewer setbacks.



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