Is mid-back stiffness from cycling causing injuries when you swim?

What’s this episode about?

Coaches Liz and Amy chat about the potential risks associated with the impact of cycling on mid-back mobility and how it can lead to neck and shoulder injuries when combined with swimming.

Intro: 0-5:11 min

What is Liz working on outside of sports, and what is Amy studying outside of physical therapy and endurance sports?

Midback (thoracic Spine) rotation with swimming and how the bike affects it.

On the bike, you are sitting on a machine and locked in a position affecting the middle of your spine. This part of the spine can become stiff, especially for endurance athletes who spend hours on the bike.

Swimming requires thoracic spine rotation as you extend your arm and reach for your pull, but the spine may be stiff from the bike. If you swim without that rotation because you are stiff, injury to the shoulder and neck can occur. Check out the video below!

How to combat a stiff mid-back

Foam rolling and dynamic mobility warm-ups.