Shoulder Knots While Riding
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,482
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From: Minnesota
Shoulder Knots While Riding
Anyone else get knots in their shoulders while riding? I tried putting on new bars (12" Yaffe), using a backrest, using the cruise, and I still get sore shoulders within a few miles of riding. Is there some exercises that will help to cure that? I love to ride but I'm having a hard time getting comfortable to enjoy long rides.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
Anyone else get knots in their shoulders while riding? I tried putting on new bars (12" Yaffe), using a backrest, using the cruise, and I still get sore shoulders within a few miles of riding. Is there some exercises that will help to cure that? I love to ride but I'm having a hard time getting comfortable to enjoy long rides.
I did 615 miles yesterday St Paul to Sioux City Iowa and back. No shoulder knots and I feel great today even thou its raining.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
it all depends on your physical condition, then your posture.
For me, i like to sit upright, with my upper body weight on my abs, then through my legs to the floorboards.
My hands are low, so shoulders and neck is relaxed position.
even so, stretches at gas stops.
a few mile walk after a day ride.
and generally exercising.
mike
For me, i like to sit upright, with my upper body weight on my abs, then through my legs to the floorboards.
My hands are low, so shoulders and neck is relaxed position.
even so, stretches at gas stops.
a few mile walk after a day ride.
and generally exercising.
mike
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 252
From: Alberta
Had a horrible year in 2011 with neck and shoulder issues. Found out I had two fractured vertebra between shoulders and a calcified C6 - old mining injuries that were reactivated by stress. Locked up muscles so tight my right arm was partially paralysed, couldn't sleep, couldn't function, painkillers, muscle relaxants - nothing. Found great relief with massage therapy, quit job which got rid of stress.
Physical conditioning is very important. A weak core (big belly can be a bad sign) is vital for keeping your back / spine healthy
Physical conditioning is very important. A weak core (big belly can be a bad sign) is vital for keeping your back / spine healthy
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 553
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From:
Don't know how tall you are or what model your bike is, (RG, RK or SG/EG) but 12" Yaffes should be more than high enough to alleviate shoulder/neck discomfort. I would pay attention to your posture/riding position and possibly your seat style before I would change out your bars to something higher. If the bars are truly the issue, you may need to go with some bars that offer more pullback rather than more height. Can you pull the Yaffe's a little closer to you ?
Last edited by gliderman; Jun 22, 2014 at 03:14 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 264
Likes: 110
From: Las Vegas, NV
I changed from the stock seat to a Mustang Super Solo and my knots went away. Stock bars for me, I agree that it's probably hip/back alignment contributing.
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
luckily for me I ride with a chiropractor, so all day I hear how I should sit up straighter, and not slouch, he has also told me it can take time to find the right set up, whether it is higher bars, beach bars, different seats, etc. Everyone will let you know what their set up is, but we are all individuals. He also expresses to stretch really well before, and after riding. He has 12" apes, and a wide seat with the backrest, and seems to have no issues, but that is him. As for me I just continue to slouch, have him adjust me, and take pain meds.
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Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
Knots
There are a lot of us telling you about conditioning. Please listen.
I am extremely stressed with a lot of teen issues; and I'm 69! Adoption things. Besides that, even at my age, I'm a General Contractor, so I'm often loading stuff into my truck and hauling lumber for the guys on the job site.
Anyway, I hit the gym 4-5 times a week and work a lot on my core and upper back. I started when I began having problems with tendonitis in my right wrist and couldn't roll on the throttle.
I last have a backrest and a good seat, and I get off the bile (09 Electra Glide Classic) and stretch/walk every 325 KM (200+ mi) as I head to California to see grandchildren. I also try and do any twisty road I can to keep myself moving - as few I-5 miles as possible!
Get your core and back fit, get a personal trainer if you need to, and the cramps will get better. Maybe a new bed, too.
I am extremely stressed with a lot of teen issues; and I'm 69! Adoption things. Besides that, even at my age, I'm a General Contractor, so I'm often loading stuff into my truck and hauling lumber for the guys on the job site.
Anyway, I hit the gym 4-5 times a week and work a lot on my core and upper back. I started when I began having problems with tendonitis in my right wrist and couldn't roll on the throttle.
I last have a backrest and a good seat, and I get off the bile (09 Electra Glide Classic) and stretch/walk every 325 KM (200+ mi) as I head to California to see grandchildren. I also try and do any twisty road I can to keep myself moving - as few I-5 miles as possible!
Get your core and back fit, get a personal trainer if you need to, and the cramps will get better. Maybe a new bed, too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
Rider backrest did wonders for me. It help to relieve that lower back strain. I've already had one neck disc replace which had caused my left arm to draw up to my chest when it blew out. I run beach bars with the mustang wide touring with the backrest. i get off the bike every 100-125 miles and walk around. It takes most of the strain out.