Cycling Pain Relief Using the Feldenkrais Method

Truly dedicated to their sport, cyclists have learned to push through their pain, always wanting to improve upon their personal best.

Those with the endurance sports mindset typically view pain as temporary. Yet for some in the cycling community, cycling pain becomes chronic and debilitating, impacting not only their ability to participate in an active lifestyle, but affecting their personal lives as well.

Cycling knee pain and cycling back pain are common among bicyclists. But less discussed is cycling’s impact on both male and female sexual function.

Cycling and Male Genital Pain and Numbness

Sometimes called “Cyclist’s Syndrome,” testicle pain and groin pain can be caused by chronic pressure against the saddle, which constricts blood flow and compresses the pudendal nerve, a sensitive nerve cluster in the perineum (the area between the legs). Pudendal nerve entrapment and pudendal neuralgia are both seen in male cyclists.

To avoid cycling testicle and cycling groin pain, choose a saddle that relieves pressure on the pudendal nerve, shifting weight to the two bottom points of your pelvis, the "ischial tuberosities" or sit bones. And make sure your bike is adjusted properly to reduce back, hip, and knee tension while pedaling.

Using non-invasive Feldenkrais treatments, the painful symptoms of pudendal nerve irritation can be alleviated, and your nerve and soft tissue and blood vessel impairments can be reduced and restored.

Female Genital Pain while Cycling

Female genital pain while cycling typically is caused by a poorly fitted saddle. A saddle is not usually built to accommodate a woman’s proportions or bone structure, and can exert pressure on the soft tissue of the female genital area. Not meant to bear weight, chronic compression of this tissue may lead to compromised blood flow and nerve injury resulting in cycling clitoral pain. Exerting excessive pressure on this area can also cause intense genital pain and numbness.

To avoid female pain while cycling, choose a seat designed specifically for women. A seat that removes pressure from the genital nerves and arteries and shifts it to the sit bones, will help to avoid cycling clitoral pain and promote long-term genital health.

If you have female pain while cycling, I can help. I provide help to reduce or eliminate vulvar pain syndromes by alleviating muscle tension and spasms in the pelvic floor.

Relieve Cycling Pain

You will receive one-on-one therapy in a gentle, safe, fully clothed and non-invasive environment.

I will provide a long-term solution to your chronic cycling pain without the use of medications, injections or surgery. The duration of your treatment and the frequency and number of visits will vary depending on your particular issues.

If your saddle is properly fitted and you practice good riding technique, but continue to suffer cycling pain, groin pain, or genital pain and numbness while cycling, my Feldenkrais approach can enable you to ride again at full capacity.