General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike shoulder pain Rss Feed  
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2012-10-22 1:57 PM

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Somewhere training in Rocklin, CA
Subject: Bike shoulder pain
On longer rides where I'm in aero for long periods (25 mi and up), I develop a sharp pain in my right trapezius muscle. I can reduce this by looking down where safe, but my assumption is that this is from having to support the weight of my head while looking forward. I have very good strength in these muscles and my bike fit is good as well. This has been the same on several different bikes so I believe its beyond a bike fit issue. Anyone else suffer from this or have a remedy?


2012-10-22 2:07 PM
in reply to: #4463819

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain
I get the same thing, but on the left side.  I've had my fit looked at as well and supposedly it's great.  The one thing that I can think that may cause it for me is that I always drink using my right hand.  When the right hand is off the bars drinking, the left may be putting more pressure on the bars to stabilize the bike.  I would love to figure out a true cause and a solution.  In the meantime, I'm getting a massage to loosen up the muscle.  Curious to see what others say.
2012-10-24 10:26 AM
in reply to: #4463819

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Veteran
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Somewhere training in Rocklin, CA
Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain
I guess we're on our own...I'll try the massage as I'm always looking for an excuse to get one.
2012-10-24 11:12 AM
in reply to: #4463819

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain
I've got the same issue but no solution. Hopefully this thread will get some more attention and we'll get some answers.
2012-10-24 12:46 PM
in reply to: #4463819

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain
I find that I get the same type of soreness/cramps on longer rides.  I've attributed it to the close spacing on my extensions.  For longer races (70.3), I'll open them up a bit, less areo of course, but being comfortable for 3 hours I find to be better than saving 60 seconds or so.  Shorter races (sprint/oly/int) I just slam them in.
2012-10-24 1:13 PM
in reply to: #4467242

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain

Sous - 2012-10-24 12:46 PM I find that I get the same type of soreness/cramps on longer rides.  I've attributed it to the close spacing on my extensions.  For longer races (70.3), I'll open them up a bit, less areo of course, but being comfortable for 3 hours I find to be better than saving 60 seconds or so.  Shorter races (sprint/oly/int) I just slam them in.

 

But I only get pain on one side.  I would think if this was the problem/solution, the pain would be on both sides, right?



2012-10-24 2:12 PM
in reply to: #4463819

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain

I had this problem after my first century going into IM training. I had only gone up to 80 and jumped to 112, at a slower pace with a friend so I was out there longer than expected. My shoulder continued to ache for the next two months, to the point of having to take advil during the bike of the race!  It has calmed down tremendously since I haven't biked longer than 2 hours since.  I had an MRI done just in case and lo and behold I had a tear!  Its healing now.  Turns out I have a hook in my shoulder that presses on the deltoid and being in that position really irritated it. My pain was mainly during long aero sessions but also in swimming.

I highly suggest going to a doc just in case, as it may be beneficial for you to do shoulder stabilizing exercises.  That is what my PT is having me work on, since my left subscapular is "loose".  Also yes, get the bike fit checked out.  just a minor tweak can make a world of difference in comfort.

2012-10-25 7:27 AM
in reply to: #4467320

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Subject: RE: Bike shoulder pain
bar92 - 2012-10-24 2:13 PM

Sous - 2012-10-24 12:46 PM I find that I get the same type of soreness/cramps on longer rides.  I've attributed it to the close spacing on my extensions.  For longer races (70.3), I'll open them up a bit, less areo of course, but being comfortable for 3 hours I find to be better than saving 60 seconds or so.  Shorter races (sprint/oly/int) I just slam them in.

 

But I only get pain on one side.  I would think if this was the problem/solution, the pain would be on both sides, right?

I suppose.  I usually only get it on my right side, but then again I also sit "off my seat" to the left, so I would assume that my alignment is a bit skewed so that may be just enough to cause the extra strain on my right side.  Just hypothesizing of course.

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