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Expert Cyclist's Palsy Treatment in Delhi

cyclist palsy treatment and cure
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What is Cyclist Palsy ?

Cyclist’s palsy, also known as ulnar neuropathy or handlebar palsy, is a common nerve compression injury among cyclists. It occurs due to prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve in the wrist and hand, often from leaning on the handlebars.

Symptoms of Cyclist's Palsy

The symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

  • Numbness and tingling: Primarily in the ring finger and pinky finger (the areas supplied by the ulnar nerve).
  • Weakness: Difficulty with fine motor movements of the hand, such as gripping, pinching, or opening jars.
  • Clumsiness: Dropping objects more frequently.
  • Pain: Aching or burning sensation in the hand or wrist, though pain is not always the primary symptom.
  • Loss of sensation: Reduced ability to feel light touch or temperature in the affected fingers.
  • Muscle wasting (in advanced cases): Visible thinning of the small muscles in the hand, particularly between the thumb and index finger, and on the back of the hand. This indicates more severe or prolonged nerve compression.
Causes/Contributing Factors for Cyclist Palsy:
  • Prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve: From handlebars, especially with improper hand positioning or ill-fitting gloves.
  • Poor bike fit: An aggressive or overly stretched riding position can increase pressure on the hands.
  • Rough terrain: Vibrations from bumpy roads can exacerbate nerve irritation.
  • Lack of hand position changes: Not moving hands around on the handlebars during long rides.
Advanced Physiotherapy for Cyclist's Palsy
  1. Manual Therapy
    2. Hands-on treatment performed by a physiotherapist to mobilize joints, soft tissues, and nerves.For Cyclist’s Palsy:Joint Mobilization: To improve mobility of the wrist, hand, and elbow joints, which can indirectly reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.
    • Soft Tissue Mobilization: Directly addressing tight muscles and fascia in the forearm, wrist, and hand that might be compressing thelar nerve.
    • Nerve Glides/Nerve Mobilization: Gentle exercises and techniques designed to help the ulnar nerve slide smoothly through its anatomical pathways, reducing friction and improving its ability to transmit signals.
  2. Myofascial Release (MFR)
    3. A manual therapy technique that focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs throughout the body.For Cyclist’s Palsy: By applying sustained pressure and stretching to areas of fascial restriction in the forearm, wrist, and hand, MFR aims to reduce compression on the ulnar nerve and improve circulation and tissue extensibility.
  3. IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
    4. A technique that uses specially designed instruments (often made of stainless steel) to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction, such as adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. Popular IASTM tools include Graston Technique, Guasha, and Astym.For Cyclist’s Palsy: The instruments help the physiotherapist identify and break down adhesions or scar tissue that may be entrapping the ulnar nerve or restricting muscle movement in the forearm and hand. This can improve tissue mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
  4. Active Release Technique (ART)
A patented, highly specific soft tissue mobilization technique that involves combining precisely directed tension with specific patient movements.For Cyclist’s Palsy: The physiotherapist applies pressure to a specific muscle or soft tissue structure while the patient actively moves the affected limb through a range of motion. This aims to break up adhesions within muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that can cause pain, weakness, and restricted movement. For ulnar neuropathy, ART would target muscles in the forearm, wrist, and hand that might be impinging on the nerve.
  • Stretching exercises: For the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles.
  • Strengthening exercises: For intrinsic hand muscles and forearm muscles to improve grip strength and overall hand function.
  • Nerve gliding exercises (home program): To maintain nerve mobility.
  • Patient education: On proper hand positioning, regular hand position changes during rides, and protective measures (e.g., padded gloves).
  • Modalities: Such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, though these are often secondary to manual therapy and exercise.

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