Shoulder Problem during long rides

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Donkey

by Donkey

I'm looking for any advice or experiences regarding shoulder issues people might be having or have had in the past. Then have managed to resolve them.

After 3+ hours I tend to get some stiffness in one of my shoulders. I think it is related to a previous injury many years ago but the pain and stiffness only flares up after about 3 hours or so. If I keep the shoulder moving a bit, such as regualrly reaching for a drink, then the stiffness and pain get offset a little.

Any views or experiences people might care to share?

by Weenie


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eric
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by eric

I've had similar issues in the past. Working on core and upper body strength in the gym helped me.

Also concentrate on relaxing the upper body when you ride, and of course you want to have a good position on the bike.
I already had those, I just needed some more strength.

CerveloBert
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Location: Los Angeles, CA

by CerveloBert

If you don't mind me asking, where on your shoulder does it hurt? Identifying the specific point on the shoulder could tell you a lot about your previous injury and/or can identify where you might have an issue in relation to your bike fit.

Donkey

by Donkey

I'm not one for relaxing.
But those comments are a fair amount to go on, thanks. :thumbup:

It's good to get an appraisal once in a while.

If we look at this image:

http://healthfavo.com/wp-content/upload ... natomy.jpg

There is a sharp pain in the Infraspinatus tendon with stiffness probably in the tendons connected to the Clavicle. The stiffness is when trying to move the shoulder, at which point there is a sharp pain but which quickly fades away.

It happens in just one of the shoulders and only flares up during long rides (3-4+) hours. I ride hard and long (70-90m/day), in 3-4-5 day blocks a week.
I'm thinking it's related to a previous minor injury which I've never thought or think much about. Eg, fell off the bike.

DanW
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by DanW

In my own example I have a bit of a sore left shoulder like you describe from various meetings with the ground and the soreness seems to get aggravated during any ride over 2 hours.

On thing to think about may be any pelvis rotation you have when riding. The right side of my pelvis is more forward than the left side and as far as I can tell by looking in to this a lot, my left arm/ shoulder is doing a lot of work to try and stabilise this pelvis asymmetry. Finding a solution is less straight forward but I'm working my way through lots of options. It is easy to say "do more core strength work and do more flexibility stuff" but the specifics are harder to nail down.

Maybe you have a similar asymmetry on the bike, possibly staring at the pelvis, which aggravates an existing shoulder niggle?

Donkey

by Donkey

Sounds very much like we could be in the same boat.
But I'm frankly astounded you've managed to nail your issue down to pelvic asymmetry resulting in an over compensating left shoulder.
I don't see how I could determine that for myself. The asymmetry that I know and am able to detect in my case, is that my legs aren't exactly evenly matched for performance. My left leg offers strength whilst my right leg produces speed. Overall I'd say my right leg is still stronger due to the fact that speed trumps brute strength of the other leg. However this is an affliction I have seen in many riders, including pro riders.

Thanks, many valuable insights presented here.

DanW
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by DanW

But I'm frankly astounded you've managed to nail your issue down to pelvic asymmetry resulting in an over compensating left shoulder.


Access to lots of funky biomechanics measurement tools that extend way beyond the normal Retul or whatever :wink:

Knowing this and looking back there were a few signs like the wear pattern on my saddle and I think a keen eye might see the asymmetry if looking for it specifically (Retul is a bit rubbish at making left/ right comparisons despite what they may claim). Also small things like the muscles around my left shoulder are visibly contracted almost constantly so it is inevitable they will fatigue and become painful/ lead to irritation in other tissues which have to compensate thereafter. It isn't just about power put down at the pedals, also rotations in the various joints changing how that power is delivered and how the upper body is stabilised (or not!)

As I say though, even with the benefit of some decent people to talk to and nice measurement tools it is still hard to find solutions as the body is a complex and pretty individual thing. Keep digging and get to know everything you can about your body would be my only advice I think

Donkey

by Donkey

Very interesting.

The saddle to bar drop causes the pelvis to rotate forward as you reach the bars/drops. So to me this is looks like a simple and straightforward solution. Decrease the drop by a minimum amount in order to offset any pelvic asymmetry.

I was thinking about what you said and I have since reduced the saddle drop by 10mm. It seems to have drastically improved the situation a fair bit. I raised the bars by 10mm. I am also looking for another saddle so will keep a very close eye on this situation.

theresaconti
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:48 am

by theresaconti

i have also shoulder pain not because of driving , but because of long continous sitting in office.. doing exercise now-a-days...
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Last edited by theresaconti on Tue Sep 30, 2014 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.


Thirstyman
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Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:10 pm

by Thirstyman

it might help to keep your shoulders down and back while you ride. up (shrugged) and stretched forward tends to close the space you are referring to. Stretch the front of your shoulder and chest. strengthen the rear with rows and shoulder blade squeezes among other movements. This will help to remodel the shoulder and open up space. I am not a PT but have spent lots of time with them due to shoulder injuries.

by Weenie


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