Injuries, illness and modifications for MTB

30 Apr

Have you ever had an injury that stopped you riding how you usually ride?

In our women’s beginner skills clinics, on women’s social rides and other skills clinics, there are many lived experiences of resilience, perseverance and determination through injuries and illnesses and other life events.

I am always so inspired how women find their strength to make modifications, get back on their bike, and enjoy the benefits that a life outdoors can bring. I listen carefully now to the things people have issues with, and how they’ve managed them so that if I ever hear it again, I have some suggestions that might help someone else. And I figured it might be useful to share my story, in the hope that it might help someone else.

I’ve had plenty of crashes on the bike, however usually they've been short-lived and I've been back on the bike within a few weeks. I’ve hurt my shoulder, I’ve taken plenty of skin off my knees and elbows, but nothing really to note.

Enter: Childbirth.....

Birth injuries are common, but not often talked about. They can be extremely debilitating and have a huge impact on mental health.

It’s been almost 2 years since I had my last babe. My three labours were tough, but my third resulted in forceps delivery and a complete avulsion of the levator ani- a muscle of the pelvic floor which helps hold the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel) in place. When the pelvic organs shift from their original place, due to injury of the pelvic floor muscles and/or the stretching of the fascia, this is called a prolapse.

This happened to me. There are varying stages of prolapse and fortunately mine wasn't the most serious or debilitating- but it still affected me both physically and mentally, particularly in the first 6 months postpartum. I wondered (and worried) if I’d really be able to ride much anymore. I lost sleep, felt pretty low and was scared to do anything. Even walking 500m to the shops was a big deal in the first 2 months.

Modifications have been a key for me in returning to mtb. A big part of my journey back to the bike was getting information. I saw two women’s health physiotherapists before I found one (Kylie Faulks, Canberra) that understood what I was going through. She got it that I wanted to ride again and allowed me to see the possibilities, and that it wasn’t game over for the sport that I live for. With the aid of a pessary- a silicone device to help keep the pelvic organs in place- I was able to start to move again. Another super important piece of the puzzle for me was also working with a Personal Trainer who specializes in mtb AND women's health. Even the conversations I had with Ali (Ali Frendin from MTB Mamas) when I was early postpartum were enough to give me hope for what my future might look like, and a vision for how I might work to get myself back to riding .

It has been a slow rebuild of fitness, and definitely not a linear process, but just like any other injury, I've had to be patient, and most of all kind to myself. I’m still healing and I know that I’ll always have to be working on my pelvic floor strength to keep myself active.

For those of you who have had kids, either recently or a long time ago- pelvic health is a super important one. Go and see a Women’s Health Physio and get in touch with Ali from MTB Mamas (or follow her on Instagram!).

One of the things I love so much about mountain biking is the mindfulness that comes with needing to focus on the trail. I know it has helped me during stressful times- I come away from a ride feeling refreshed- physically tired but mentally rested. The being in nature, with the dirt, the birds, the snakes (yikes! but also, wow) and the fresh air.

Has mountain biking helped you overcome some difficult life adversities? Or have you had any injuries or illnesses that you’ve been able to manage and make modifications to get you back out on the bike?

Send me an email dirtmaides@gmail.com and let me know :)