Bike Seat Problems

[Simon]

I am having problems finding a comfortable bike seat. At PT I use a pillow and that works ok. I put a pretty good bike for home and the seat is totally uncomfortable and pillows dont help. To be able to use it at all I have to sit way back and that makes it hard to peddle.

The other problem I have is that to peddle I end up having to kind of rock side to side a bit. I have raised and lowered the seat without much luck.

I am finding that these problem are causing more problems riding the bike than the knees.

Thanks for the help.

Simon

 

[beachcomber]

I went to a bicycle shop and bought a comfy seat for my regular bicycle. No way can I ride on a "stock" seat and be able to sit down for the next two days!
I think most stationary bike seats are the same "fittings" as regular bikes so maybe you can find one at a bicycle shop that would be more comfy. Or call them and ask for solutions..... worth a try!

 

[schoust]

Simon how much Rom did you have to be able to ride the bike? I have a nice one ride staring me in the face each and every day, but I simply do not have the motion just yet......

 

[beachcomber]

Most people are not able to go all the way around with the pedals on the bike when they first start. Set the seat as high as possible, then just get on it and "rock" the pedals back and forth to stretch your ROM. You will progress and one of these days you will unexpectedly go all the way around. It surprises and kind of startles most people at first but is a great feeling when it happens. Most people also find it is easier to pedal backwards at first. Jo explained why back last winter but I can't remember the most excellent explanation she gave! So just get on that bike and "rock" and before you know you will be able to "roll" too!

then you start lowering the bike seat and that stretches your ROM more.

 

[Josephine]

I find this at the gym - I start and finish my session with 10 mins on the bike and always get off walking like a cowpoke! People smile and say something about legs being sore and I have to smile back and say 'something like that - but a little higher up'! Only takes a few steps and I'm okay but boy - does it ever HURT by behind!

 

[JudyS]

I took my bike outside for more than a ride around the block last week. Talk about discomfort!!
Before the second ride, I bought some lovely bike shorts with padding!!!
Judy

 

[JackieS]

Schoust -

It takes a bit over 90 degrees. Go backwards at first, rock back and forth. The first time you go around will make you yelp, but it gets easier each time.

If you're not going to out-patient PT yet, you really should. PT within the home can only do so much and the equipment at PT will really bring you along.

--Jackie

 

[schoust]

The Bike I have is differant it's one of those recumbents. I believe that is what it's called? Anyway you sit and there are two handles one on each side of the seat and your legs have to meet the peddles on a vertical plain. It's hard to explain but I have adjusted it and can't be used just yet. I wish I had a simple old school exercise bike it would be easier to get me feet on the peddles. Oh and Jackie the guy that is giving me Pt has more experience than anyone at the outpatient clinic and it would not do me any good to go and pay a copay because all I can do is stretch. Found it! Edge 288r Recumbent Exercise Bike.......

 

[JackieS]

My personal exercise bike is REALLY old school and the first one I used at PT was newfangled electronic fancy old school although there is a recumbent bike there. You would probably be better doing the co-pay if you want to heal more fully and quickly. No matter how good your home PT is, you don't have the equipment for strengthening your muscles at home unless you have tons of gym stuff. Strengthening the muscles is just as important as stretching for the flexion. Plus, there should be more than one outpatient clinic in your area. I had excellent home PT at no cost to me in the beginning, but once I was mobile at about three weeks they had me line up outpatient and it made a world in my advancement over what could be done in my home. You really should think about it.

I also had some complications slowing my flex. The outpatient PT I chose was excellent. When my covered by insurance (with co-pay) ended (cheap BCBS), he offered me to come anytime to use his equipment as often as I want for $40 a month -- cheaper than a Y. Even though I had strong muscles before my TKR, they got wasted in the surgery. I'm only now starting to build up from the atrophied post-surgical muscles.

I wish you the best.

--Jackie

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Simon - good luck with the bike seat. The one at the pt I go to isn't bad. Even the ones at the gym are ok for me - although I haven't been to the gym since this spring. With PT 3 days a week and the beginning of school I haven't managed to get there.

I too spent many a day rocking the pedals. The one thing to remember is to hold your rock in one position so that the knee stretches. Thats what started to make the difference for me. That slow rock with a hold at the end of each helped.

I was able to get the pedal around with a rom just over 80 degrees, although it wasn't pretty. Now with rom between 85 and 90 I still hag on to the side handles and the butt doesn't come off the seat all that much. I think if I could just get a few more degrees it would almost look normal.

Hopefully I will start back to the gym around October 1st and start riding their bike as well.

Marianne