Is Bike riding a good excersice to rehab after a grade 2 hamstring tear?

Question

Is Bike riding a good excersice to rehab after a grade 2 hamstring tear?

Answer 1

There are some variables in this question.  One are you riding with just sneakers or clip in pedals?  The sneakers are free floating and because of that very little work is imparted to the hamstrings.  With clip in pedals there is going to be more work for the hamstrings and how much will depend on the type of pedal stroke used.  If you are one that mashes down on the pedals then the amount of hamstring use is lessened.  If you know how to spin then the hamstrings will get a workout.  The next variable is gears and knowing how to use them.  If you can spin then it will depend upon the rpm rate that is used.  The higher the rpm's the less stress imparted to the muscles.  Overall if this is not a new tear then it should be okay to ride just try not to use big gears.  Make sure that you start off slow and when finished stretch and ice.  The latest material on stretching shows it doesn't matter how one stretches only that one does.

Answer 2

yes it is a great exercise but it also depends on what stage of recovery you are in and don't overdue it.  Your body can heal on its own so when you are first starting recovery it is better to go too light then to tear your muscles to much.  I would say do 10-15 min of light biking, 10 min jog, then stretching and ice.  When you stretch hold it for 30 seconds and don't bounce.  do three sets of each stretch.  Ice for 15min on and then 30min later do it again.  I have had a 3rd degree strain on my hamstring and have torn my calf twice.  I am also on my way to becoming a physical therapist so I know a little bit about this.  On days you can't workout, make sure you heat your hamstring first and then ice.  Good luck and sorry for the tough break