Your neck hurts after cycling because you hold your head up and look forward for hours, especially in the aero position, while your shoulders and arms carry your weight.
After a long ride it can feel locked, and the shoulders and upper back burn.
I hear this a lot from cyclists and triathletes. At home my husband trains for half Ironmans, so long rides and stiff necks are part of daily life for us too.
In the aero position the neck stays extended for a long time, the upper trapezius works all ride, the chest gets tight and a new bike fit can add load the body is not used to.
What I often see:
Yes, massage often helps the neck and shoulders feel freer after big training weeks and helps you recover between rides.
It softens tight tissue.
If you have numbness or tingling in the hands that doesn't go away, pain after a crash, or headaches that change, please see a doctor first. A bike fitter can also help if the position itself is the problem. Please see a doctor first if the pain came after a fall or accident, if it is sharp, sudden or getting worse quickly, or if you notice numbness, weakness, fever or anything that simply feels wrong. I am happy to support you, and I will always tell you honestly when massage is not the first thing you need.
I work from the neck down into the upper back, chest, forearms and hands, so the whole line that holds you on the bike can let go.
We talk about your rides, your position and your training block.
I work with deep tissue and Zen Shiatsu with grounded pressure, detail and patience.
Muscles I usually work with:
[Client story from Vica needed]
To prevent neck pain on the bike, change hand position often, come out of the aero bars now and then, open your chest after the ride and ask a bike fitter if it keeps coming back.
During a big training block, every two to three weeks is a good rhythm for most cyclists and triathletes.
Before a key race I keep the work lighter and earlier in the week.
If you know you will come regularly, my loyalty tickets let you save on every visit and book whenever it suits you.
No. A bike fitter is the right person for that. Massage helps the body cope with the training you do.
A few days before, with lighter work, and again after the race when the soreness is loud.
Gripping the bars for hours loads the forearms and hands, and I often work there. Numbness that doesn't go away should be checked by a doctor, and a bike fitter can help too.
Of course not. Anyone who rides a lot, including daily commuters, can feel this.
