Which type of physio to see with knee pain?

[zarniwoop]

Hi All,

After a month or so of commuting 3 or 4 times a week (30km each day) my wife has started to develop knee pain which has become increasingly sore. She's taken a week off to let it rest and we're going to see the doctor this week.

We'll probably end up at the physio (we have quite a good sports based physio locally) but will she need to see a specialist cycling physio and if so can anyone recommend one in Melbourne? I have no idea if a standard physio will be able to advise on changes to riding style/setup if these are required other than just specific exercises or technique.

Any advice much appreciated.


Cheers

Zarniwoop

[gmack]

I recommend a professional bike fit to make sure the bike is set up just right, I had some knee pain and tried specialized inner soles,
see http://www.avantiplus.com.au/products/s ... ---footbed
The foot bed is $75 but worth it they come with a range of shims to adjust the angle to the foot, you need to know if your rolls in or out, flat footed ect as there are different models to chose from. A specialized dealer should be able to help fit.
they worked for me, physio wont cure the cause if it an ergonomic problem, they can treat the symptoms
goodluck

[ColinOldnCranky]

In the "good old days" you just went to the rare shop that made custom bikes to order and fit and put your faith in them. But these days every bike shop seems to be part of a sale juggernaut/franchise/growth industry, equipped with all sort of hi tech instruments and tools and you-beaut two day training and a pretty paper certificate at the end. And then they think they have some high levelof professional proficiency. I have as faith in them as I do in attendants at an average fitness gym. Perhaps though, I am off the mark - as my observations are those of someone who stopped pretty much as these changes accorred but I do talk a lot with wanna-be racers and like.

That being said I would not expect too many physios to be able to deliver what you are asking. I do have great faith in physio's - I have had a lifetime of sport, overuse, congenital problems, serious accidents and stuff. Of all the health professionals I have found Physios to be highly consistent and capable and make good use of them.

By all means, get a bike person to check your setup. But my first action would be to make an appoitment with a physio. I imagine you could find a sports medic wiht specific understanding of cycling through any of the representative industry bodies, or your institute of sport. You will pay more for it though.

[zarniwoop]

Thanks muchly for the advice

[im_no_pro]

http://www.topbike.com.au/physio.htm

Check out above - I have heard nothing but good things about Emma. I was heading to see her myself but my knee issue seems to have dropped away since buying a new bike.

[ColinOldnCranky]

For what it is worth, a name percolated up from the depths of my abused brain over the weekend.

I think, back, maybe, twenty years ago Avocet bikes in Claremont were big on fitting bikes to riders, including custom builds for those needing that extra level of competence. I don't even know if the shop still exists. Or if it has changed name.

[fatherofmany]

For remedial treatment

try a Bowen therapy practitioner, it's physio based on body bio-mechanics. I can't fault mine, other than she does too good a job and I don't go back for ages. Unlike many, she actually doesn't want return visits, it means she hasn't done her job well enough.

For prevention -

a professional bike fit will do wonders. A small imbalance can cause excessive wear and tear on parts of your body you don't think could be affected.

FoM

[ColinOldnCranky]

Just be aware, bowen therapists are not generally qualified physio's. But if a weeks training and a glossy diploma-to-go from some "institute" that ticks all the important boxes like "holistic", "natural" and "testimonials" are your thing, give them a try. I'll stick to qualified physios who seem to be successful enough in their treatments.

[fatherofmany]

Mine is a qualified physio who uses bowen techniques, didn't realise others would (could) be different so sorry if I led anyone astray, after all...

Forum rules - The information / discussion in the Cycling Health Forum is not qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor.

FoM

[scotto]

We'll probably end up at the physio .... but will she need to see a specialist cycling physio

sounds like youve answered your own question, although a bike fit might be in order as its only 3 months or so of riding

and if so can anyone recommend one in Melbourne?

maybe ask around at bike shops or Vic branch of APA

I have no idea if a standard physio will be able to advise on changes to riding style/setup

they wont

[scotto]

Forum rules - The information / discussion in the Cycling Health Forum is not qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor.

FoM

not always true ?
scott , who does have a medicare provider number