Central Wisconsin's heart beats with a rhythm of outdoor adventure. Mountain biking trails snake through lush forests, offering breathtaking scenery and challenging climbs. But with exhilarating rides comes the risk of falls and injuries. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a weekend warrior, knowing how to address mountain bike injuries is crucial to getting back on the trails you love.
This article dives into common mountain bike injuries and how we can help you heal from them, in addition to the best spots to shred in Central Wisconsin!
Common Mountain Bike Injuries and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Pushing your limits on the trails can lead to a variety of injuries. Here are some of the most common and how chiropractic care can play a role in your recovery:
Soft Tissue Injuries: Scrapes, road rash, and muscle strains are par for the course. Chiropractic care can't directly address these, but it can help manage pain and inflammation through dry needling and laser therapy.
Whiplash: Sudden neck hyperextension from a fall can cause whiplash. Chiropractic adjustments can improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing.
Sprains and Ligament Tears: These injuries often involve inflammation and restricted joint movement. Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and promote tissue healing through techniques like manual therapy and joint manipulation. Additional therapies such as our Class IV laser and dry needling can further facilitate this healing process to get you back on your bike as quickly as possible!
Back Pain: Mountain biking puts stress on your lower back. Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment, alleviate pain, and restore proper function.
Handlebar Palsy: This is caused by prolonged pressure on the sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. Treatment can involve a number of approaches depending on length of time the symptoms have been present. Symptoms typically include an achy hand and numbness/tingling into the ring and little finger on one or both hands.
Beyond Adjustments: Our Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Healing
At Marks Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to healing mountain bike injuries. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we offer a range of therapies to optimize your recovery:
Muscle Work: Techniques like Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy target trigger points and muscle tension, promoting pain relief and improved range of motion.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) can accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Dry Needling: This technique uses thin needles (filament) to address trigger points and muscle tightness, promoting pain relief, improved range of motion, and improved function.
Getting Back on the Bike: Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
Healing from a mountain bike injury is just one part of the equation. We'll work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan that strengthens the injured area and improves your overall fitness. This may include core strengthening exercises and stretches specifically designed to prevent future injuries.
Central Wisconsin's Top Mountain Bike Trails
Once you're back on the road to recovery, here are some of the best mountain biking trails in Central Wisconsin to explore:
Rib Mountain State Park: This iconic park boasts challenging climbs and scenic overlooks.
Nine Mile Forest Unit: Contains over 12 miles of single track.
For additional local and state-wide recommended trails, check out MTB Project here: https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8011022/central-wisconsin
Hitting the Trails with Confidence
Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport, but injuries can sideline you from the trails you love. By understanding common injuries and the benefits of chiropractic care, you can get back on your bike faster and stronger. At Marks Chiropractic, we're passionate about helping athletes of all levels achieve peak performance and recover from injuries.
Here is an Infographic for additional tips to stay Pain-Free while out on your ride!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss how we can help you conquer the trails and avoid mountain bike injuries!
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