Bike Smarter This Summer: Physical Therapy Tips to Prevent Cycling Injuries

Are you ready to ride harder and farther—but worried your body might not keep up?

Cycling is one of the most enjoyable and low-impact ways to stay active during summer in Cache Valley. But repetitive posture, poor mobility, and muscle imbalances can quietly lead to pain, stiffness, or long-term injury. Whether you’re grinding up Blacksmith Fork Canyon or cruising along the Logan River Trail, your body deserves just as much attention as your bike.

>>>Schedule your appointment and let us help you ride stronger and smarter.

Why Cycling Injuries Are So Common

Most cycling injuries don’t happen in an instant. They build over time—through poor alignment, limited mobility, or small compensations that wear down your joints. We see it often in patients who ride regularly but ignore early warning signs like knee twinges, neck tightness, or numb hands.

A few of the most common injuries we treat include:

• Knee pain, often caused by improper joint alignment or saddle position

• Low back discomfort from limited core stability or poor hip mobility

• Neck and shoulder strain due to prolonged posture

• Wrist or hand numbness related to nerve compression or handlebar pressure

At our North Logan and Providence clinics, we help cyclists understand where these issues come from—and what to do about them.

How Physical Therapy Supports Better Cycling

Pain isn’t just a sign of injury—it’s often a signal that your body is working harder than it should. When we work with cyclists, our goal is to improve how your body moves so that you ride more efficiently, recover faster, and prevent setbacks.

Every rider starts with a detailed assessment. We look at movement patterns, joint mobility, and muscle function—especially in the hips, spine, and knees. We’ll also ask about your training load, bike setup, and symptoms, so we can connect the dots between how you ride and how your body responds.

From there, your plan might include:

• Manual Therapy to relieve soft tissue tightness

• Dry Needling to release deep muscle tension in areas like the hip flexors, quads, and upper back

• Strength training to improve glute and core engagement

• Neuromuscular reeducation to support more efficient pedaling mechanics

• Flexibility work to increase comfort in long-distance rides

In some cases, we also integrate Blood Flow Restriction Therapy to rebuild muscle without overstressing the joints—especially if you’re recovering from injury or training intensely.

Bike Fit and Body Mechanics: A Critical Combo

One of the biggest mistakes cyclists make is focusing only on the bike—and not the body riding it. You can have the best bike in the world, but if your mobility is limited or your joints are misaligned, discomfort will eventually catch up.

Even small adjustments can create meaningful changes. For example, raising or lowering the saddle can help reduce strain on your knees, especially during climbs or longer rides. Adjusting your handlebar height can influence your spinal posture and relieve pressure on your wrists and shoulders. Additionally, improving core and glute activation enhances pelvic stability, which helps protect your back and generate more power with every pedal stroke.

Many of our patients are surprised by how much more comfortable and efficient their rides become—not because they changed equipment, but because they addressed how their body moves on the bike.

Ride-Ready Routines: Preventing Injury Before It Starts

Staying pain-free on the bike isn’t just about what happens during your ride—it’s about what you do before and after. In our experience, riders who take a few extra minutes to care for their bodies often experience fewer setbacks and better performance.

Here are two key areas to focus on this summer:

1. Dynamic Warm-Ups
A quick pre-ride routine that activates the glutes, hips, and core can prevent early fatigue and reduce joint stress.

2. Post-Ride Recovery
Stretching tight areas like the hip flexors, calves, and upper back can help flush out tension and keep your range of motion intact.

If you're dealing with long-standing tightness, we often incorporate Myofascial Release Therapy or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to restore tissue health and reduce restrictions.

Cycling Shouldn’t Hurt—Let’s Fix That

Cache Valley has some of the best summer riding in Utah, and it’s meant to be enjoyed pain-free. If your body starts signaling discomfort—listen early. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to stay consistent and confident on the bike.

Whether you’re a competitive rider or simply biking for fitness and fun, physical therapy can help you stay ahead of injury and continue riding with strength and stability.

Take Action This Season

We help cyclists across Cache Valley stay injury-free, build strength, and ride with better mechanics—and we’re ready to help you too.

Call today to schedule your evaluation at (435) 535-3677 (Providence), (435) 213-9268 (North Logan) or book online now