Cyclists: Range of Motion Question?

[katekosar]

Hi, guys.  Am scheduled for the BHR in April.  My range of motion in the left hip is pretty much nonexistent now.  I've transitioned from my two race bikes (Litespeed and Guru) to step-through Belgian commuters and finally to recumbent trikes, because I can't swing my left leg over the top tube any longer.  My race bikes miss me!  Will the range of motion post-op increase such that I'm able to throw my leg over the top tubes of my two favorite steeds?

Thanks for your responses.  This one has got me nervous.  As much as I like triking, I like speed too. 

kate

[Lopsided]

Will the range of motion post-op increase such that I'm able to throw my leg over the top tubes of my two favorite steeds?

Yup. But might take a few months to get there.

[halfdone]

Based on my experience you should be fine.  But you may need to be patient and work with a good PT to get most of your ROM back, so don't worry if you are not back in the saddle right away.  Lots of good advice/comparative experience on this site.  IMHO don't rush after surgery, let things settle and strengthen, plan on months rather than weeks before you ride (fast) again and follow the protocols and advice of your surgeon.

Go Kate (landis) K !

[FlbrkMike]

Not an avid biker, though I do want to get back on my bike as soon as possible.

One effect that OA had on me (both legs) is that the feet were turned outward.  This made it very hard to ride a bike because my ankles would hit the cranks and it was hard to keep my feet on the pedals.  Because of this I haven't ridden for a couple of years.  This also, combined with losing the ROM of lifting my knees upward, caused me to stop using my erg (indoor rower) which was my main source of exercise for 12 years.

32 days after my LBHR and 4 days after my RBHR I'm obviously not yet back on the bike or the erg, but it's amazing to me how straight my feet now point.  Also, within a week or so of my first operation I could lift my left knee straight up from a standing position to about 90 degrees with no problem.  This was several inches higher than I could lift my right (unoperated leg) knee.  I haven't tried this with my new right hip yet, but probably will this afternoon with my first home PT session.

[jjmclain]

Hi Kate,

I am a triathlete, and therefore, a cyclist. I too got to the point, prior to my left BHR, where I had no range of motion left and couldn't lift either leg over the bike when dismounting. I could lift the right one over to get on and then needed friends to lift it back off for me! Or else I could lean against something and push away...it got to the point that I just stopped riding. I had my surgery 4 months ago. I plan to ride outside again probably at the 6 month mark when the chance of a femur neck fracture reduces. I see my surgeon at the end of this months and will find out when I will be allowed to ride and run again!

By the way, I now have back range of motion I did not have for 3 years!!!! You will be amazed at the change!

June

[moe]

Hi Kate, I am an experienced road and mountain biker, former racer. I had the same problem as you, could barely get on or off the bike, it was actually sad and funny at the same time. My pedal stroke was a mess also. I happy to say thay I have full range of motion, no issues whatsoever. Pedal stroke is back to normal. I sometimes think back to the days where I would finish a ride and practically lay the bike down to get off it. A fading memory now. One of my riding friends said the doc fixed me a little too good.  

You should be back on that Tenn Ti in 6 months to a year. But go easy during your recovery, think long term.   Good luck and Giddy up!

moe

[hernanu]

Hi Kate,

Not a cyclist here, but a martial artist. I started my PT with my first HR at 35 degrees of ROM moving my leg sideways. After 6 weeks of PT (when I graduated), following their home stretching exercises and overall exercise regimen, I had 55 degrees ROM, with the norm being 45 degrees. This was probably because of my prior flexibility, which I though lost forever.

After my second HR, 3.5 months ago, my ROM on the right was initially 30 degrees for the same movement, It was 46 degrees when I left PT (after 4 weeks). So I don't think you'll have trouble doing things that the decreased ROM caused you to leave behind.

Before the operations, I could barely touch my hands below my knees bending forward. I can now touch my knuckles to the floor, still looking forward to the palms on the ground like I used to do.

[sroberts]

Hi Kate,

Yes you will be able to throw your leg over your racing bike. When you get the ok to ride outside you can always tilt the bike toward you so you don't have to lift it too far. I am 2+
years post op and about to begin our annual cycling/triathlon camps where we bike over 350 miles in 5 days here in Tucson and the hip is not an issue or even thought about these days. You'll soon return to hammering on your racing bikes. If you're ever in tucson, drop me an email.

take care,

spencer

[toby]

Kate,
I had a smile to myself when I read your posting and the group's great responses-just took me back...
 Moe said "I had the same problem as you, could barely get on or off the bike, it was actually sad and funny at the same time. My pedal stroke was a mess also."
 
June-" I too got to the point, prior to my left BHR, where I had no range of motion left and couldn't lift either leg over the bike when dismounting. I could lift the right one over to get on and then needed friends to lift it back off for me! Or else I could lean against something and push away...it got to the point that I just stopped riding."

Mike-"One effect that OA had on me (both legs) is that the feet were turned outward.  This made it very hard to ride a bike because my ankles would hit the cranks and it was hard to keep my feet on the pedals."

Yeah, I had /went through all the above..did 52 Mile London Bikeathon 4 1/2 months post op all was perfect.
Good Luck
Toby

[einreb]

I'm looking forward to actually being able to get in the drops!  I've to ride using the hoods and flipped a stem for more rise over the last few years with my bad leg only having 90 degree limit of range.

I would suspect (like the others here) that you will have great range of motion.

[larry2458]

before the op i had no problem swinging my leg over my bikes, it was the 'ok' leg that i couldn't get over ?? post op both have been fine.without cycling i think my head would have been in bits.
i was adviced by the specialist to cycle right up to the day of the op if i could.

[hipnhop]

I was always embarrased because I could.not mount/dismount my bike like other triathletes.  I had a bike fitting and had to use a step ladder to get on bike. The fitter understood and manipulated the bike the best he could to accommodate my limited range of motion.

I would just unclip, lie the bike on the floor and step off. It def cost me time in transitions.  I am almost 3 weeks post op and real scared of riding.  I know I will get more confidence as I progress but honestly we all know that if you ride, you fall. I will be the one wearing football hips pads.

[jjmclain]

LOL!!! I had to have friends lift my leg over!!! Don't be in a rush to get outside on your bike...wait until the hip heals more! Ride on your bike trainer or a spin bike to help your range of motion. I just replied to another message of yours. I was just given clearance to ride outside and I am 4 1/2 months. I haven't done it yet...but will let you know how it goes when I finally get out there. If the weather ever warms up here, put your bike trainer outside, put on your IPOd, and pretend you are on the road!!!  No use risking a fall because you aren't that far out post-op.

[phillwad]

What a group we are!!!!! 

When I did my endurance mountain bike rides I would have to lay the bike down and step over it, when I fell down I would need a friend to come over and unclip my peddle on the right side as I did not have the range of motion to twist off -  I would try and find a tree to stop by and rest rather than get off the bike - great stories.  When I got fitted for my new cyclocross bike I could not find a way on as the bike was on a trainer and could not be laid down - it was way to high.  I had to clip on with my left foot, move to top of stroke, jam on the rear brake and lift myself up so the "step over" was not very much - funny funy images 

I did one race last year, about 10 hours of riding, when a lady and I were about the same pace - me faster going up hill, her skill greater (faster) coming down.  On one trail I pulled over to let her pass and lost balance just as she was by me - bang - tumble - we are both heading down the bank into the trees.  I ended up with my leg in a V of a tree and lucky I did not twist/hurt/break it.  The other rider had to come over and untangle me  She finished about 15 min infront of me and I found her talking/laughing to my wife about this "crazy Brit" who had "taken her out" on a trail.

I am looking forward to being able to swing my leg over and get on the bike like everyone else

Cheers - Phill

[jjmclain]

Phil- I was able to swing my leg over today! Wow..how nice to not have to make sure no one is watching!

[katekosar]

Hey, Congrats!!  I'm reduced to a recumbent tadpole trike these days.  No swing, just squat.     Surgery on 4/27 and looking forward to top-tube-type fast rides again (eventually).

Kate

[phillwad]

Good luck on the 27th

Cheers - Phill

[resurface1]

Kate

Hi.  I am almost one year out now.  I did not have any of these issues.  But I have found that my IT band and hip flexors are not as strong as my non-operated side even through my quads are fully recovered [I think].  I mention this more as a note toward recovery and "everyones" approach to PT.  I am gong back to focus on these again so that I have a more balanced approach. 

I am not sure what to say about the flexibility other than stay with your professional PT if you insurance allows.  I am also curious - did you have a posterior or anterior lateral approach?

Best wishes...

[katekosar]

Well, I'm four days away from having it done, but I think Dr. Brooks is doing anterior lateral, FWIW.  As long as he gets rid of the chronic pain, I don't care which way he attacks it.   

My IT band is all shot to hell.  It's so tight I could pluck it like a violin string.  Ditto for the flexors.  I will be working on stretching, stretching, stretching.  The capsule running along my shin is also aching, and it runs down over the top of my foot.  Hopefully, the hip resurfacing will resolve all these issues.  If not, well, we'll keep on looking for answers.  I have an Ironman to train for.   

In the interim, one of my larger probably unfounded fears is that the whole left leg is going to seize up in one great spasm and stay there like a rock, from toe to hip.  It's happened before after long fully loaded touring days, lying in the tent at night.  Yeeeouch!  But if it happens at the hospital, I imagine they can do something fairly fast to relieve it.


kate

[jjmclain]

Good Luck Kate! Prior to surgery I ached all the way down my quad to my knee, shin, top of foot, etc... It disappeared after surgery! Except for the post-op surgical pain, all of the OA pain was gone! Which IM are you signed up for?! Keep us posted during your recovery.