ride in comfort and efficiency
physio_logic physical therapy offers professional bike fitting services to help get your bike set up for you to ride with maximum comfort and efficiency. Whether you have nagging knee or back pain from cycling, or you just want to maximize performance and efficiency, we can help you.
What is a bike fit?
Setting you up on your bike so that your body is well aligned to allow you to move with maximum efficiency, and the least amount of unnecessary stress on your joints. A proper fit will allow you to ride with a neutral spinal position saving your lower, and mid back and neck from unnecessary stress. A proper fit will also allow your lower extremities (hips, knees, feet/ankles) to operate as efficiently as possible while decreasing the risk of overuse injury significantly. Your upper body, arms and hands will also be aligned properly to increase comfort and reduce stress in your hands, arms and shoulders.
How do we do this?
If you have a properly sized bike, most of the adjustments can be made simply by adjusting the saddle height and position, as well as the handlebar height, position and orientation. We do this by carefully adjusting these settings while carefully assessing joint angles, bringing their operating ranges into well known standards. Using laser lines, and videography, we can more finely bring your cycling body into alignment.
In some cases adjustments of cleat position will be necessary to ensure proper foot/ankle/knee/hip alignment. We are also able to recommend shoe inserts, and even make custom in-shoe devices (custom orthotics) if that becomes necessary.
What if we have difficulty with creating the best fit possible because of the mechanical constraints of the bicycle?
Occasionally, customers bikes cannot be adjusted enough to make a good fit. In some cases the solution might be as simple as changing the handlebar stem to a different length or angle, or purchasing a shorter crank arm. physio_logic physical therapy does not pretend to be a bicycle shop or a professional mechanic. For this reason, we have established a close relationship with numerous bike shops in the area (Fremont/Ballard), and working in concert with these professional services, can usually, complete the fit (or guide you to a new bicycle..)
Cost?
A basic bicycle fit is $200. If you are having your bike fit because of any related pains/injuries, SOME insurance companies may offer reimbursement. Keep in mind that if you are having a “medical” bike fit, you will first have to undergo a thorough physical therapy evaluation so that the therapist will be able to understand the source of your injury/pain, as well as uncover any physical challenges, such as limitations in joint range of motion, weaknesses, and previous injuries. If you wish to submit for insurance reimbursement, two separate appointments will be necessary. This is because most insurance companies will only consider reimbursing for one hour on any given day. If you are not concerned with insurance reimbursement, then you can schedule the physical therapy evaluation and the actual fitting on back to back hours.