Bike checks for Nuffield Health patients
PATIENTS who are keen cyclists, such as recent participants in the Velothon, or those taking up cycling for rehabilitation purposes, are being offered the chance to have their bikes checked out by Adrian Brown, chartered physiotherapist at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, a former athlete and now a cyclist. Senior physio Adrian is keen to ensure that the patient’s bike is fit for purpose and not aggravating any underlying conditions or impeding their recovery from surgery.
The bike set up involves checking all the touch points in relation to the cyclist and their preferred type of cycling, whether for example they participate in time trials or mountain biking.
The contact points include the seat height, the saddle itself, handle bars and pedals. Depending on the type of injury, surgery or condition, as part of their rehabilitation programme, Adrian will alter the bike to its optimum set up to avoid pain and damage for the individual and to suit their cycling choice.
From Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil, Adrian Brown qualified from Cardiff in 1991 and for more than 10 years managed both his professional career as a highly-respected physiotherapist with that of national-level athlete.
Adrian was previously the physiotherapist for Newport Rugby Football Club before concentrating on his area of specialism within physiotherapy. With a strong record in rehabilitation, Adrian joined Nuffield Health in 2000. As senior specialist spinal physiotherapist, Adrian has undergone extensive post graduate training in manipulative techniques and rehabilitation physiotherapy.
Now regularly cycling 100 to 150 miles a week, Adrian explains: “While we encourage people to be active and to cycle, it is important to check that the activity of cycling isn’t causing the pain. Where, for example, we are treating patient with physiotherapy for a back problem or a hamstring injury, sometimes altering their bike set up can give them a relief from pain and allow them to continue cycling. It makes sense to keep people active, as long as this is safe and comfortable for them.”
You can find out more about a range of health topics from talks by Nuffield Health specialist consultants at free open events to be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday evenings in June at the Vale Hospital:
June 8: Let’s talk hips and knees with Alun John and Rhys Williams
June 16: Women’s health with Jonathan Pembridge, Sumit Goyal and Oleg Tatarov
June 29: Let’s talk about sports injuries with Christopher Wilson and Rhys Thomas.
To book a place at any of these free events, please call 029 2000 6548 or go to www.nuffieldhealth.com/ expertevents