Riding a Peloton bike can be a great way to exercise. You build muscle, burn calories, improve your lung capacity and get to listen to your favorite tunes through all of it.
However, riding any type of stationary bike can lead to pain in your knees, lower back, hips and other parts of your body.
In this article, we’re going to focus on Peloton knee pain. Why do your knees hurt so bad after your workout, and what can you do to treat this issue?
We’ll answer both of those questions and more.
Why does riding my Peloton cause knee pain?
In some cases, riding pain stems from an improper bike setup. Maybe your pedals are too high and you have to raise your knees up too far as you ride, or maybe it’s the opposite. It could be your seat, too. Maybe it’s too high for you to ride without overextending your legs.
Of course, there’s a chance your Peloton knee pain points to an issue in your legs, like one of these:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome — Also known as “runner’s knee,” this condition occurs when your kneecap becomes misaligned. This typically happens to people who bend their knees inward when running or riding a bike.
- Arthritis — Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis create swelling around the joints that can make vigorous exercise more difficult.
- Torn meniscus — If your pain stems from the back or side of your knee, there could be a tear in your muscle that’s getting irritated as you pedal.
What should I do about my knee pain?
Peloton-related knee pain may disappear in a few days, but it could also worsen. Call a doctor if you experience significant swelling and/or pain or hear a lot of popping.
You might also think about consulting a physical therapist, as physical therapy can have significant benefits for patients suffering from knee pain.
How can physical therapy help?
A physical therapist will work with you to reduce any swelling or stiffness that’s causing the knee pain you feel after riding your Peloton.They will also help you to strengthen your knees and joint flexibility so that you’re better prepared for those long rides. They will even coach you to help you find a better posture for riding your bike to reduce your risk of reinjury.
Oh, and here’s the best part:
If you’d prefer to do physical therapy from the comfort of your own home — the same way the Peloton allows you to ride your bike in your living room — that’s totally possible. Many clinics, including SOL PT, offer virtual PT care to make caring your your body easier than ever
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
