We are now well into the 2024 season, and this means I am seeing quite a few patients needing treatment for triathlon injuries in Bristol.
I come across quite a variety of different competitive levels of triathletes, which means that to some extent I treat a variety of injuries for triathletes at my BS6 clinic in Henleaze.
There are very experienced, highly competitive triathletes aiming for PBs or competing in European and World championships.
At the other end of the spectrum, I treat enthusiastic novices and those just trying to get around the course.
All levels of triathletes present with issues, and all are vulnerable through training to pick up injuries.
As a Bristol osteopath and someone who has completed at Ironman level in this sport, I understand well the stresses and strains on the whole body.
What are the most common triathlon injuries?
Swimming - here I see the least injuries as it has the least impact on the body.
But, I do see shoulder issues often from technical problems with their stoke and also due to overtraining.
Common injuries are shoulder impingement problems which need treatment and stability exercises to help them resolve.
Cycling - I see more cycling-related problems. The triathlete spends more time on the bike.
Overtraining can be an issue, but most problems occur due to bike set-up issues. I see many lower back, neck and shoulder problems from strain through these areas due to long periods in a time trial position.
As an experienced osteopath in Bristol, I can diagnose and treat these triathlon injuries always aiming to improve muscular-skeletal efficiency and function.
Flexibility is very often a key problem here so exercises are really important. To prevent more issues developing a good look at the bike set-up is always important.
Running - The most impactful of all three activities and as such I see more of these injuries.
Usually lower limb issues: foot and ankle injuries, shin splints, Hamstring and Quad imbalances, as well as pelvic and core instability and imbalances.
These are often related to the low back dysfunction.
Running issues can be trickier as some degree of rest/recovery is often required, alongside treatment and rehabilitation exercises.
Triathlon, however, is more than the sum of its parts. Putting all the disciplines together is tougher on the body and triathletes in Bristol, if not well-conditioned, run the risk of an injury every time they compete.
How can Bristol triathletes reduce injury risks?
Hydration and nutrition are key not just to performance but to injury prevention.
Graduated and carefully planned training plans are really important to reduce the risk of injury.
Is osteopathy suitable for triathlon injuries?
Osteopathy particularly suits the triathlete not just for treating and rehabilitating injuries but critically in prevention and maintaining fitness.
Many of my athletes consult me regularly for maintenance work because they hate being injured. Find out more about my MOT service here.
Osteopaths in Bristol take a holistic look at the body and are well-placed to identify the strains and stresses placed on the body as it transitions through a training plan and the different disciplines involved in triathlons.
Although it’s been a little while since I completed a triathlon, I remember the joy, satisfaction, and pain that goes with a sport where we dig so deep in ourselves to achieve our goal, but I also know well the heartache when injury hits and things go wrong.
To make a booking at my Bristol osteopathy clinic please visit here.