ridecamp@endurance.net: knee stretches

knee stretches

louie (louie@mr_gateway.gomontana.com)
Tue, 02 Sep 1997 17:36:19 -0700

Just a quick add to the knee stretch.
My orthopedist diagnosed tendinitis in my knee that was causing the severe
sharp pain during riding (most severely during long walks or downhill
sections). The exercise he recommended, and the only one, was a standing
quad stretch. The trick it to do it right. Stand on one foot and grasp
your other ankle pulling upward, heel to thigh. Be sure, and this is the
important part, your knee is right next to your knee on the support leg,
even touching. Align your hip in a straight line over your bent leg and
drop the hip if possible to maximize the stretch. He told me to do this
three times a day and before riding and whenever I feel the pain start. It
has worked remarkably well. I've even taught my horse not to freak when I'm
sitting in the saddle and I pull my heel upward stretching while riding.
This is a safe exercise and you can do it just about anywhere by yourself.

Also, I just got a Big Horn saddle and completed a 50 with it this weekend.
It was a tough ride with a lot of downhill and a lot of walking just to
finish. My knees have never felt better and the stirrups, for me, are hung
just right. I also noticed that usually my feet fall asleep in my other
saddle (and English endurance style) with EZ ride stirrups. I have EZ ride
stirrups on this saddle too, and my feet never fell asleep or even felt
tired. Has to be the saddle design, it seems to me.

Louie
Bozeman, Montana

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