Addressing Lower Back Pain During Triathlon Training

Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor the people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter. Read Charles’ story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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We are so proud to announce Mr. Charles Alberta as our Patient of the Month. Charles, an amazing tri-athlete, came to us with issues in his mid and low back while preparing for an Ironman triathlon in Lake Placid. While cycling on one of his training workouts, Charles developed back pain which caused him to reduce his training regimen. However, Charles is a highly motivated athlete and was able to modify his workouts with the help of PT and complete his first full Ironman last month! Charles really made the investment to work on form and was able to finish well. Congratulations Charles!

In Charles’ Own Words…

1) List Three Words to Describe You:

- Committed (some would argue I should be committed in another sense- ha!)

- Energetic

- Motivating

2)  What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?

Lower back pain. Minor pain became significant with sharp stabbing moments and then extreme tightness

3) How would you describe physical therapy?

Prescribed and monitored treatment, stretching, and recovery our bodies desperately need but we don't often provide.

4)  What exercise or technique helped you most?

Exercises and stretches that simulated being in different positions on the bike and manual therapy

5)  What would you say to someone who is living in pain and putting off physical therapy?

See a doctor and get evaluated before proceeding with any treatment for chronic pain. If PT is recommended then give it a try. Make sure you are completely comfortable with the facility, doctors, etc. If you do not trust your caregivers you will not be able to relax and allow things to progress. Progress may be slow, but listen to your doctor/therapist. Rushing activity during recovery can lead to major setbacks. (Yes. I speak from past experience on this).

6) What are you excited to get back to after physical therapy?

Biking and Running at full speed/strength.... Was limited to swimming for majority of PT duration.

On July 24, I finished Ironman Lake Placid in just over 13 hours (13:07:22)

6) What did you enjoy most about the physical therapy experience?

The Iron team was able to make appointments immediately. They had good availability of hours and were flexible with scheduling (this was critical for me as I started with 6 weeks to an Ironman race).

During therapy sessions the doctor provided stretches and exercises from simulated cycling positions to work on strengthening and releasing the areas of pain. These were helpful to minimize issues and maintain my form when back on the bike.