Just like any other sport cycling comes with its share of
injuries. I recently talked with Dr. Alexis Racheotes about what she has seen in
her chiropractic practice and what her personal experiences have been on the
bike.
About Ali
Ali is a super talented cyclist. A regular on the WHF Saturday ride and
even shows up for some Tuesday Night World Championships abuse. She can hold her own with the boys and pretty much
owns every STRAVA Queen of the Mountain (QOM) segment around Fayetteville. I
brought this up on a ride recently and she quickly replied, "I don’t care
about that, I want to beat you guys (us dudes) up the hills" bazinga...and she does, quite
often. Ali was the perfect fit for this first installment of Cycling: Pain & Injury.
The Interview
WHF: What inspires you to
ride?
Dr. R: I started cycling as
mountain biker in my early 20's. So, I guess, I have been riding 20 odd years -
I love that cycling puts you in motion and lets you explore the world - it’s
the challenge, the camaraderie, the way it makes me feel happy, free and alive that keeps me cycling.
WHF: Why did you choose chiropractic?
Dr. R: After completing a
bachelor's of science, I attended and graduated from Texas Chiropractic
College, where I had the opportunity to learn acupuncture and participate in
hospital spinal orthopedic rotations at UTMB-Galveston. I chose chiropractic
because I had always been fascinated with the human body and I believed that
the general public should have an alternative to medication. At the birth
of my chiropractic education, I had no idea what chiropractic had to offer in
athletic performance. That I learned from Dr. John Downes while working with
the indoor arena Georgia Force football team.
WHF: What are some of the most common cycling related injuries you see?
Dr. R: Cycling doesn't have to be painful or uncomfortable. For the person new to
the sport, injuries/complaints usually arise from all the areas that are in
touch with the bicycle: hands (i.e., "handlebar palsy”), feet (i.e., Morton's
neuroma) and bottom (saddle sores). Proper bike fit, glove wear, shoe
fit, saddle, shorts and chami cream usually help these issues resolve.
For the experienced cyclist, it’s a different story: overuse injuries,
over training "syndrome", muscle imbalances and compensation
issues. There are also the injuries resulting from a crash - concussion,
abrasions (otherwise known as the dreaded "road rash"), broken bones,
etc. Without preventative care, overtime any cyclist can experience neck pain,
shoulder pain, back pain, etc.
WHF: What ways are you treating these injuries?
Dr. R: In addition to recommending
a professional bike fit and purchasing proper cycling equipment, I analyze a
cyclists muscle resting length and muscle movement patterns, assess nutritional
habits and inform the patient how to take preventative care of his/her
body. With acute muscular related injuries, I use dry needling technique
and cold laser therapy. I use chiropractic care and acupuncture to help
cyclists get out of chronic pain and move better, so the ride is more enjoyable
or in some cases possible.
WHF: Do you have any tips for folks getting into cycling?
Dr. R: Bike fit is HUGE - and
you cannot go wrong with improving core muscle strength and stretching - the
biggest obstacle for most people is not forming a healthy
stretching and strengthening routine. Including chiropractic care and sticking
to it to prevent a chronic problem.
WHF: Have you experienced any cycling related injuries?
Dr.R: Road rash - ouch!!!!...stitches!!! Improper
hydration leading to dehydration!!! Improper nutrition leading to
BONKING!!! Missing chiropractic care, neck pain, back pain and
soreness!!! Improper shoe wear and hot spots!! The wrong chamois and
wrong chami butter…well, we all know what that leads to…
WHF: Are there any women specific injuries/issues?
Dr.R: Mature females have a
bigger Q angle than most males -- which means the angle from hips to the knee
is larger which leads to different pressure on the hips, knees, ankles and all
the muscles in between. Again a proper bike fit and chiropractic care. Seat
comfort seems to be a chief complaint among females - I recommend a bike fit
and a great pair of bike shorts.Spend the extra money on the shorts and the bike
fit!! Fear is a big issue for females over the age of 12. Hopefully with
the trail system development in our town that will go away. Exposing girls to
riding bikes (dirt and road) at a young age is a great gift to give. And for
those of us over 12, reassurance from experienced cyclists and participation in
one or all of the great number of organized group rides in this community helps
immensely. The cycling community here in Northwest Arkansas is really
unique. Cyclists here are quick to help other riders.
A big thanks to Ali for interviewing! Stay tuned...I'll focus on saddles in the next installment of Cycling: Pain & Injury. The more you enjoy something the more you will do it. Like Ali said it doesn't have to be painful or uncomfortable. Cycling has a ton of return on investment. To contact Ali about services that she provides see her contact information below. Thanks for following!
