I met with Scott on March 7, 2010. He came for adjustments for his bike to be more comfortable and have more efficiency while riding. During the initial video analysis you can see Scoot's leg extension was fairly even (but low for his flexibility). However, his right hip showed greater vertical movement and Scott had uneven foot extension (26 degrees left and 34 degrees on the right foot). Scott was also a little too far back and placed more strain on his shoulders and lower back. To address the uneven hip rocking and extension of the feet was not very hard to figure out. While on the message table I recognized 1/2" functional leg length of Scott's right leg due to anterior rotation of his right side of the pelvis. I showed Scott how to correct the 1/2" leg difference in less than 60 seconds. After we corrected the pelvic malalignment, I made changes to his bike. For Scott's torso length, I moved the saddle forward and addressing leg extension, I raised his saddle to accomodate his leg and hip flexibility. The saddle rails on Scott's bike is only 7 cm in length, to further address arm extension/reach I recommend he changes to a saddle with a longer seat rail such as the Fizik Arione which has 2 additional centimeters. Once we switch to a new saddle, I can raise Scott's saddle and move it a little more forward.
I met with Jay on Feb 24, 2010 for a bike fit assessment. As you can see on the before photo Jay was a little stretched out in the shoulders which can cause strain on the neck. Jay was also a little too far back and low on the saddle restricting his leg extension and not able to use his larger muscles of the hips and quads. This reduced leg extension not only impacts Jay's performance on the bike, but also has an effect on the run because he was over working his calves, hamstrings, and hip muscles to maintain speed on the bike. For planning to race IM events this season, I believe Jay is also a little too low on the aero bars. However, since he has an integrated aerobar system he has limited options of raising up any further. Hopefully, I will find a better option in the coming weeks to allow Jay to be slightly higher. Jay also had a slight pelvic malalignment (right inflare of 1/4"). He was able to easily correct this by apply a Muscle Energy Technique Correction.
I met with Tom on Feb 23, 2010. Tom's bike seat was shifting (bent) off center more than 1/2" due to his pelvic malaignment. Tom had an anterior rotation on his left side of his pelvis that caused a leg length difference of more than 1/2". Tom easily corrected his malalignment with a basic MET (muscle energy technique) exercise. Tom said he immediately felt the pelvis move during the exercise and opened his ROM. You can easily see a more efficient pedal stroke... the "before" picture note a nearly vertical line on his upstroke. Now refer to the "after" photo... it is more rounded. Tom is no longer unloading on the upstroke but applying power throughout his pedal stroke.
I met with Craig on Feb 20, 2010 and conducted a follow up with Craig on Feb 24, 2010 once he was able to obtain the correct Trek seat mast for his optimum fit. Craig had a left pelvic inflare causing a leg length difference upto 1/2" which caused strain on his left knee and right hip (note the arrows pointing to hip rocking). Craig's bike seat was too low and too far back also limiting his efficiency on the bike (refer to the other arrows pointing at the knees). By raising Craig upward and bringing him forward on the saddle, Craig is now applying more power throughout the pedal stroke. By looking at the before photo you can see a peak on the Top Dead Center of Craig's pedal stroke. He had to rasie his ankle to get over the top of the stroke because his hips were inhibited to do the remainder of the work. By moving Craig's saddle, his aerodynamics were not affected. Look at the height of his shoulders in comparison to the picture frames on the wall. However, look at his hip joint in relationship to the horizontal line I have in relationship to Craig's handle bars. The hips are higher allowing Craig to use his larger leg muscle groups and hips to apply power.
I met with Frank on Feb 20, 2010. Frank had a left pelvic inflare over 1/2" causing a leg length difference of more tha 1/4" This had an impact on his performance and comfort on the bike. We conduct MET to correct the inflare and I provided recommended corrective exercises to improve Frank's mobility and stability of the core and hip rotators.
Tom came to see me on Feb 18, 2010 for a fit assessment. His saddle was too low and too far back reducing his pedal efficiency. His aerobars were also too low. During the Functional Movement Scrren I found weaknesses in mobility and bilateral stability. I recommended some basic corrective exercises to address these areas and Tom should be well on his way to performing his best in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing Tom doing very well this year at Ironman Arizona.
I met with Andrew on Feb 12, 2010. He will soon have surgery on his back. Once he is ready we will work together on ROM and muscle imbalances. Andrew had a pelvic shift causing a leg length difference of more than 1/4". We performed MET self treatment and this cleared up the difference. I look forward to seeing andrew during his rehab.
Neal came to see me on Jan 17, 2010. I did bike fits and assessments on both Neal's road bike and TT bike using Retul 3D analysis and Dartfish video analysis. Neal was very close to an optimum position on his road bike. However, I found a few things for Neal to improve on with his hip and core mobility and stability when I conducted FMS (functional movement screen). I also found that Neal had a leg length difference more than 1/4" due to pelvic malalignment (righ inflare, left outflare, and right anterior rotation). I demonstrated self correcting MET (muscle energy technique) and the leg length difference was reduced to nearly even.
After the initial assessment on the road bike and working with Neal on FMS and MET, we noticed Neal's Retul data was nearly identical especially on lateral knee travel, hip travel, and elbow to hip distance. This showed us Neal was sitting more square and efficiently on the bike.
Neal's TT bike needed more adjustments than his road bike. I recommended that Neal order the appropriate seat post for his Kuota TT bike so I could set him up more efficiently. His original position was too low and too far back. Refer to the following numbers on the pictures below for comparison: 1. He is now more forward and has less strain on his shoulders.; 2. Neal now has a more powerful pedal stroke that is more elliptical... less torque spike and higher average power throughout the stroke.; 3. Greater leg extension based on Neal's flexibility... more extension, more leverage, more power, at less effort.
I am excited for Neal and I am eager to hear back from him on how he is race season progresses.
I met with James on January 23, 2010 to assess his fit on the bike. As you can see below James was too low and back on the bike. I also provided corrective exercises for James to address his functional leg length differences and core and hip stability and mobility. Good luck in the IM Florida this year James.
I met with Rodney for a follow up on Jan 9, 2010. When Rodney initially visited me in November 2009, he had a signicant anterior rotation on the right front side of his pelvis and posterior rotation on the left. When he came to see me on Jan 9th, he was complaining of back and knee pain and I found his pelvis shifted and now was an inflare on the left side. I think we found the right combination of MET and corrective exercises for Rodney and he should be riding more efficiently and pain free this upcoming race season.
Jackie visited me on Jan 8, 2010. She was looking for that extra edge on the bike and to have a great run spilt in her triathlons. I found Jackie to be just a little too far back and low on the and was putting too much strain on her lower back. By moving her forward and up, Jackie is now riding more efficiently. Although Jackie did not have much of a functional leg length difference, she had nearly 1/2" inflare on her left side of her pelvis. This was causing her to have a tight hamstring on her right leg, as well as straining her right ankle. Also, look at the before photos and compare the left and right leg extension... the right leg was extending 10 degrees further. Thusly, placing greater strain on the right leg. After performing corrective exercises and MET, Jackie should be pain free.
Roger came to see me on Jan. 4, 2010 for a bike fit to reduce pain and increase performance for future triathlons. Roger complained of piriformis syndrome. We easily found the problem. Pelvic obliquity was the cause from years of muscle asymmetry and functional leg length difference. I showed Roger appropriate corrective exercises and MET to help with pelvic alignment and stability. I am excited to hear back from Roger see how he is doing.
Al visited me on Jan 2, 2010 to pick up his new Tri bike and to also get a fit/assessment on his road bike. Al was very close with his current setup on his road bike. I did find Al had an anterior rotation and inflare on his right side of his pelvis and posterior rotation and outflare on the left side. Al's pelvic asymmetry reduced his pedal stroke efficiency due to a functional leg length difference. After demonstrating self treatment for pelvic asymmetry and a few minor adjustments to his bike and cleats he is more efficient on the bike.
I received the following email from Al on Jan 5, 2010 regarding his fit on his Tri Bike: Greg, I did my first ride yesterday afternoon. Did 42 miles relatively easy pace. I stayed on the drops for probably 75-80% of the ride. I noted the following: First, hills seemed much easier than I expected, I suspect part of this was the change in the cleat position. On the second lap I could actually feel my glutes working coming up a slight hill into the wind, I have never really noticed my glutes or hamstrings working on previous rides on my road bike. I did defintely move forward on the seat (compared to what I did on the trainer) although it was difficult to tell how much. I found my self on a few occasions wanting to sit back farther. My tush got a little sore during the last 7 or 8 miles of the ride. I actually thought that was pretty good considering it was my first ride w that seat and went 42 miles. Didn't experience any discomfort in the back, shoulders, or arms. Actually my back felt better when I was complete than it has on my road bike lately. I've been meaning to see my chiropractor. Back has been extremely stiff after road rides for the past couple of weeks. Neck felt a little strain (not sore though). I think this is because I spent most of the ride in the drops and stretched my neck just a little more up to see, actually went away as I got into the ride. Handling, I almost felt like I was riding a bike for the first time. Probably a good thing I was not riding w/ anyone.vvI do think I will have you do the run gait analysis some time in the near future and also would like to do an open water swim sometime w/ you as well when it gets a little warmer (like this spring).
Thanks Again & Enjoy the Rest of Your Holiday Break!!! Al
I met with Ron on Dec. 31, 2009 to do a bike fit/assessment on his road and Tri bike. We also worked on determining the size and angles for a future Tri bike. Ron had a functional leg length difference due to an inflare and anterior rotation of the pelvis. I showed Ron how to correct this presentation using MET and also demonstrated fascia release techniques before stretching, as well as functional movement corrective exercises. I look forward to hearing from Ron.
Kelly and her coach visited me on Dec. 28, 2009 to see if I could help her with run gate. Although Kelly was very flexible, she had a two major issues: One was hip stability due to pelvic malaignment and the other run technique. Kelly had a 1/4" leg length difference due to a pelvic inflare. I showed Kelly how to correct the inflare. I also showed her a few corrective hip stability exercises to improve her movement pattern. Next, we went outside and assessed her run technique. After the run gait/stride assessment we discussed appropriate run techniques. I look forward to hearing from Kelly and her coach regarding her progress.
Patrice came to me on December 14, 2009 with severe discomfort and was considering to give up cycling all together. Since he had driven more than 10 hours to see me, he spent the evening after we did the fitting and assessment sessions (Functional Movement Screening, pelvic landmark assessments and ROM protocols). The next morning, I showed Patrice exercises to maintain pelvic alignment as well, I demonstrated corrective exercises for proper movement patterns (Patrice had proper coordination, but I found a weakness in his bilateral functional mobility and significant tighness in his hip flexors) for cycling, running, and swimming. After the exercise session we went for a 2 hour ride to ensure he felt better on the bike. Patrice said he never felt better. I am very happy to have been the person to help keep Patrice in the sport of cycling and triathlon. In all, the entire time Patrice and I spent together (not including dinner, evening discussions, and breakfast) working on his bike fitting, ROM assessments, corrective exercises, and confirmation ride was nearly 7 hours. I enjoyed every minute of our time together.
Patrice is 5'7" and had more than 1/4" leg length difference. I should him how to correct the leg difference by addressing his pelvic inflare and outflare using proper Muscle Energy Technique (MET) methods. Within 5 minutes his legs were the same length. The next morning, I rechecked his leg length and they were still even.
The great thing about using Retul and Dartfish during the fitting/assessment session is I was able to verify Patrice's improvement while riding... initially Patrice had a 5mm difference in knee lateral travel. After our session, his knee travel was within 1mm. His leg extension and pedal stroke is more efficient, too.
I met with Hazel on December 12, 2009. She had just purchased a new bike and wanted some adjustments and assessments to be more efficient. For her body type, ROM, and core stability, Hazel's aerobars were the incorrect type and were too low. Since the bike was recently purchased, I recommended Hazel to have the aerobars changed from "S" bend type to "J" bend type. As well, I recommended that she have the shop swap the stem to an adjustable type stem.
On November 28, Sverre visited for a bike fit. No gross asymmetries where found. I only needed to make changes to his bike to fit is riding style and range of motion. Sverre has extremely flexible hamstrings and strong glutes. Thus, he is able to ride with a longer leg extension.
On November 28 I met with John and his wife Kitty for bike adjustments. John had a slight pelvic inflare which casued his right leg to be 1/4" shorter than the right. We corrected the leg length issue and made adjustments to his bike. Kitty is a casual rider and does not use clipless pedals or toeclips. When she decides to upgrade her pedal system, I will have her come in for a detailed fit.
On November 14 and 15 2009, I was invited to the Hilton Head SC Area by my friends Donna and Jeff Garske to work with local cyclists. Over the weekend I met and worked with 12 cyclists and triathletes and conducted 15 bike fits and assessements. I was very fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Purvis who is the President of Balance Training Systems working with me during this time period. Kevin's background as a certified personal trainer and triathlete was very helpful. Even more importantly Kevin is well versed with using Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for correcting pelvic malalignment. As I conducted the initial assessments on the bike using video analysis, Kevin assisted with conducting ROM assessments and identifying malalignment issues of the pelvis. While he helped with demonstrating self-treatment techniques, I was able to make appropriate changes to the client's bikes and perform the post video analysis. Below are some of the clients I was very fortunate to work with:
BEFORE & AFTER
Run Gait Analysis
Below are more clients cases...
On November 3, 2009, I met with Bobby. Below are the major findings and recommendations, overall we were able to get Bobby closer to symmetrical:
PreTest Post Test Action Recommendations
Left 1 ---- Right 1 Left 3 ----- Right 3
37mm 56mm 39mm 45mm Knee Lateral MET & Single Legged Pedalling
42mm 57mm 41mm 48mm Hip Vertical PVC Quads, Plank Pose & Triangle Pose
750mm 694mm 737mm 696mm Hip to Wrist PVC Quads, Plank & Triangle Pose
113 111 degrees 113 112 Knee angle TDC None
37 34 degrees 36 34 Knee Angle BDC None
21 30 degrees 23 26 Ankle Range None
109 110 degrees 106 107 Ankle Angle BDC None
On Oct 6, 2009 I met with Reggie, he had slight knee pain and he also wanted a detailed assessment using RETUL.
The orginal seat tube angle was 76 degrees. After flipping the seat mast, the new seat tube angle was closer to 80 degrees. Reggie also had pelvic malalignment putting strain on his knee. We corrected the malaignment using MET.
The RETUL highlights are these:
1. Knee lateral movement is now 31 mm for both legs (was RL 43mm and LL 33mm)
2. Elbow Angle now 86/83 (was -102 and -104) degrees
3. Ankle Ranges were RL 28/LL 36 degrees and now RL 30 and LL 29 degrees.
On Sep 22, 2009 I met with Giovanni. He was complaining of back pain. We found he had a pelvic inflare/outflare of 1/2 inch. After perfoming MET the malalignmnet was corrected. His leg extension is more symmetrical and knee lateral movement now within only a couple millimeters.
I look forward to hearing how Giovanni is doing on the bike.
Hey Greg,The bike fit is awesome, a few people looked at me on the bike and said, "wow, huge improvement!" Effortless pedaling at 23mph! Tomorrow is a big ride, looking forward to it. I love the way the bike handles. My lower back actually feels better, still have to stretch, but definitely a huge difference. I also recommended your services to a friend of mine, he'll be scheduling an appointment with you soon. Cheers,Giovanni
Below are photos of some of my clients.
