Pelvic Pain After Cycling

Do you experience pelvic pain after cycling? If so, you’re not alone. Many women suffer from this condition, which can be quite debilitating.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of pelvic pain after cycling and offer some treatment options. We hope that this information will help you get back to your regular routine as soon as possible!

What are the common causes of pelvic pain after cycling?

There are a range of different factors that can contribute to pelvic pain after cycling. Some of the most common include:

Poor bike fit

If your bike is not properly fitted to your body, it can put unnecessary strain on your pelvic area, leading to pain. Fitting a bike to the rider is an important part of cycling and should not be overlooked.

To have your bike properly fitted, visit a bike shop or experienced fitter who can help you find the right size and adjust the seat and handlebars to fit your body.

Overtraining

Like with any activity, if you overdo it on the bike, you can end up with pain and injuries. This is especially true for new cyclists or those who are increasing their mileage or intensity too quickly.

To avoid overtraining, ease into your cycling program gradually, and be sure to rest and recover properly between rides.

Poor posture on the bike

If you are not in the proper position on your bike, it can lead to tension and pain in the pelvic area. The proper position on a bike is with a slight bend in the knees and hips, and your weight is evenly distributed between the saddle and pedals. If you find yourself slouching or leaning too far forward or back, it can cause pain in the pelvis.

If you are having trouble finding the right position on your bike, seek out the help of a certified bike fitter who can help you find the perfect position for your body type.

Muscle imbalance

Imbalances in the muscles around the pelvis can lead to pain. This is often caused by weak gluteal (buttock) muscles and tight hamstrings (the muscles at the back of the thigh) that pull on the pelvis and cause it to tilt.

If you have weak gluteal muscles, you may find that your saddle feels too high even when you lower it. This is because your legs cannot support your body weight as well, so your pelvis tilts forward and puts pressure on the front of the saddle.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

This is a common problem in women and can be caused by things like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and certain types of surgery. It can lead to a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, pain during sex, and difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain after cycling, it is important to see a doctor or other healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Once any serious conditions have been ruled out, there are a number of things that can be done to help relieve the pain.

Common treatments for pelvic pain after cycling

The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to help relieve pelvic pain after cycling. Some common treatments include:

A proper warm-down

The simplest and most effective treatment for pelvic pain after cycling is a proper warm-down. After your ride, take some time to cool down gradually by riding at an easy pace for the last few minutes.

Once you’re off the bike, stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip flexors. This will help to release the tension in your muscles and reduce the risk of cramping.

Stretching and strengthening exercises

One of the best things you can do is to make sure your gluteal muscles are strong and flexible. This will help to take some of the strain off of your pelvis. There are a number of different exercises that can help with this, and your doctor or physiotherapist can help you to find the ones that are right for you.

Pain relief medication

There are a number of different pain relief medications that can be effective for pelvic pain. These include over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, as well as stronger prescription medications. Your doctor can help you to find the right medication for your pain.

Pelvic floor physical therapy

This is a type of therapy that can help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. This can be helpful in treating both chronic and acute pelvic pain by reducing muscle spasms and improving blood flow to the area.

At Lake City PT, we can help you to find the right treatment for your pelvic pain. We offer a variety of different therapies that can be effective in treating this type of pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Getting right back on the bike

Don’t let pelvic pain keep you from enjoying your favorite activities. With the right treatment, you can get back to doing the things you love.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, Lake City PT can help. We offer a variety of different therapies that can be effective in treating this type of pain.

As experts in women’s health, we can help you to find the right treatment for your pelvic pain. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan that will help you to get back to enjoying your life.

Don’t let pelvic pain keep you from living your life to the fullest. With the right treatment, you can get back to doing the things you love. Contact Lake City PT today to schedule an appointment and start on the road to recovery.