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09-05-08, 03:44 AM
Physical Therapy 101? :
I’m a sometimes road cyclist and just turned 70 last month. I live in southeastern PA. Last month I bought a new 2009 Trek 7100 hybrid and was fitted at a full-service bike shop.
Over the years I’ve had recurring pain in both knees, especially the left that go back to a cycling overuse episode in the late 1980s . It’s usually dull, achy stuff but it’s enough to keep me out of the saddle for extended periods out of concern of making the situation worse. In late 2006 I started an at-home Schwinn 113 exercise bike program and gradually increased the resistance and duration. Trouble was (1) I rarely take rest days and (2) I was also increasing my daily walking routine (10,000+ steps). By the end of the year I passed the threshold and had to stand down due to the now familiar knee symptoms. Perhaps if I had paced myself better … perhaps indoor cycling one day … walking more the next … with intermittent rest days … I might have strengthened my knees successfully.
So I feel it may be time to have them looked at … and corrected … professionally.
What’s the procedure here? Can I go directly to a physical therapist (PT)? Or must I: (1) go to my family doctor … (2) have him refer me to an orthopedist … (3) have him refer me to a physical therapist. What’s the drill?
I’m hoping to get back in the saddle to enjoy some flat autumn (2008) (paved) rail-trail riding before winter sets in. Or am I realistically looking at essentially a winter rehab and back on the road in spring 2009? Gasp!
Thanks.
I’m a sometimes road cyclist and just turned 70 last month. I live in southeastern PA. Last month I bought a new 2009 Trek 7100 hybrid and was fitted at a full-service bike shop.
Over the years I’ve had recurring pain in both knees, especially the left that go back to a cycling overuse episode in the late 1980s . It’s usually dull, achy stuff but it’s enough to keep me out of the saddle for extended periods out of concern of making the situation worse. In late 2006 I started an at-home Schwinn 113 exercise bike program and gradually increased the resistance and duration. Trouble was (1) I rarely take rest days and (2) I was also increasing my daily walking routine (10,000+ steps). By the end of the year I passed the threshold and had to stand down due to the now familiar knee symptoms. Perhaps if I had paced myself better … perhaps indoor cycling one day … walking more the next … with intermittent rest days … I might have strengthened my knees successfully.
So I feel it may be time to have them looked at … and corrected … professionally.
What’s the procedure here? Can I go directly to a physical therapist (PT)? Or must I: (1) go to my family doctor … (2) have him refer me to an orthopedist … (3) have him refer me to a physical therapist. What’s the drill?
I’m hoping to get back in the saddle to enjoy some flat autumn (2008) (paved) rail-trail riding before winter sets in. Or am I realistically looking at essentially a winter rehab and back on the road in spring 2009? Gasp!
Thanks.