Returning to cycling after an injury or accident

After a bicycle accident or injury, it can take a bit of courage to get back on a bike. Cyclists often fear reaggravating overuse injuries, such as tendinitis. Returning to cycling after a bicycle accident is often an even bigger leap. Cyclists may have to build up confidence in addition to healing from physical injuries.

Those hurdles led therapists at Brooks Rehabilitation to create a Return to Biking program. The program assists cyclists — from experienced, long-distance riders to people who enjoy easy, recreational biking — in returning to the activity they love with a feeling of security.

“We have such an active community in Fernandina Beach, so we want to give cyclists returning from injury this program. It’s something I recognized as a need in the community,” says Liam Globensky, a physical therapist at Brooks Rehabilitation in Fernandina Beach and an American Physical Therapy Association Accredited Clinical Instructor.

Cycling injuries are common, with the number of crashes increasing in recent years, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. More than 130,000 Americans are injured in cycling crashes annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Males have a higher injury rate than females.

Abrasions, lacerations and bruises are common among cyclists, according to medical studies. Fractures occur in 6% to 15% of cycling injuries. The most common types of orthopedic cycling injuries are broken collarbones and wrist fractures, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

At Brooks, Globensky evaluates an individual’s physical abilities, injury recovery status and cycling techniques. He assesses knee and hip extension and flexion and range of motion. Patients can bring in their bike to make sure the fit is correct. Injuries can occur from a bike that isn’t the proper size for the rider.

“How do they sit on the bike? Is it conducive to their talent and overall mileage?” he says. “It’s about breaking down all of these factors. We want to make sure they don’t get injured again. I check out everything I can check out.”

Some cyclists need physical therapy for a particular injury. Others need to work on balance. Many people recovering from cycling injuries need some encouragement and reassurance, especially those who have had crashes, Globensky says.

“The overall goal is building confidence, especially when getting back on the bike after an accident,” he says. “Where do they get their confidence from? The Return to Biking program is about giving cyclists an opportunity to experience riding again where they’re safe.”

Globensky also helps cyclists know when it’s safe to take to the road again. Even after healing from an injury, cyclists can benefit from an assessment to help prevent future problems, he says. The assessment is often reassuring for people who haven’t been on a bike in weeks or months.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is resuming cycling too soon, he says. People may not give their bodies time to properly heal. Dedicated cyclists may also believe that pain is just part of the activity. But, Globensky says, “That attitude often makes certain types of injuries, such as tendinitis, worse.”

Anyone can sign up for the Return to Biking program by calling Brooks Rehabilitation, he says. No referral is needed. Sometimes, sessions are covered by health insurance if physical therapy is part of a plan of care following an injury. Members of the Brooks’ Independent Gym program can access the program with no fee.

Anyone who loves to ride a bike but is hesitant to get back in the saddle could benefit from an assessment, Globensky says. The alternative, giving up a favorite physical activity, may be worse.

“Be as active as possible,” he says. “So many times people believe they have reached an age where they need to stop doing things. But that way of thinking has really gone by the wayside. There is usually a way to modify activity so you can keep doing the things you like to do and have that high quality of life.”

Safe Cycling tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Wear a helmet. According to the National Safety Council, bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 60% and brain injury by 58%.
• Follow the rules of the road, traffic signs and lights.
• Ride in the direction of traffic
• If riding in a group, ride in single file
• Ride defensively. Understand drivers may not see you.
• Watch for doors opening on parked cars and cars pulling out of alleys, parking lots and garages.
• Choose routes carefully; avoid high-traffic roads. Choose bicycling lanes and trails.
• Use caution at night, wear bright, fluorescent colors and use rear reflectors, a headlight and taillight.
• Never use drugs or alcohol while biking.
• Gauge road conditions, such as wet surfaces.
• Maintain your bike; check brakes, tires and gears.
• Hydrate and pace yourself.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Avoid loose clothing and wear padded gloves.
• Change riding positions. Slight variations in your position can reduce stress on pressure points on your body and avoid overstressing muscles.