Different bike fit for total knee replacement?

[Awsmile]

Does anyone know of any bike fitters who specialize in fitting for those of us with artificial joints? I've got both hips and a knee, and although I don't think the hips would affect the way I ride, I'm pretty sure there might be some compensation on the knee replacement side. I've had a thorough fitting recently, but not sure how much the artificial knee was taken into account. I don't have much pain in that knee when I ride, but discomfort behind the knee which is directly proportional to how hard I'm cranking. And in Western PA, you don't ride more than a quarter mile without a good-sized hill to climb. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[salsabike]

Awsmile, here in Seattle there are several bike fitters who are PTs. I would think a PT bike fitter could be very helpful to you.

[Trek420]

Awsmile, here in Seattle there are several bike fitters who are PTs. I would think a PT bike fitter could be very helpful to you.

Yeah, we do have several with that skill set in the PNW. But she's in Western PA? Yes, I would look for a bike fitter that's also a PT.

I don't have much pain in that knee when I ride, but discomfort behind the knee which is directly proportional to how hard I'm cranking. And in Western PA, you don't ride more than a quarter mile without a good-sized hill to climb. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I agree you may be advised to crank less hard. Not climb less but gear down to more of a sit and spin. I agree with Murien to have your PT look at the gearing.

[OakLeaf]

I don't know that area, but I do know of a PT/bike fitter in Columbus, Ohio, which is close enough that he may know of a colleague in your area if you can't find anyone directly.

[rebeccaC]

perhaps contact UPMC in Pittsburgh for a conversation as they do clinical analyst bike fits

eta....The advantages of a program like UPMC’s is you can learn the biomechanics of how your artificial joints may be affecting your riding and personal strategies for your comfort, efficiency and power along with an optimal bike position.

….hoping you find a good solution!!!!

[Awsmile]

Thank you, everyone. I never even realized there would be PT bike fitters, and yes, we are close to Pittsburgh and only three hours from Columbus. Muirenn, my bike is a Cannondale Quick 4 with 3x9 Altus gearing that came with the bike. And I just realized that I said discomfort behind the knee instead of behind the kneecap. I have a bit of my own kneecap left and the discomfort is there. I'm afraid of getting into a bad habit of overpressuring the "good" (relative term) knee as the discomfort continues. I don't notice it until about 15 miles, and it lets up totally as soon as the pressure is completely off - downhill coast. At the risk of boring you all and overanalyzing, can I also say that, when I gear down and try to somewhat match my husband's cadence, I can't last and have to gear up. Is that a male/female anatomy thing? An artificial hip thing? A wimp thing? Yikes, so much to learn! Thank you for the encouragement and advice!