Saddle sores are a common issue for cyclists at our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics.  These occur when the skin along the saddle and buttocks becomes irritated. This can happen due to factors like improper saddle size, poor bike short padding, and reduced core stability. Today, we’ll focus on core stability, assuming the other factors have been addressed.

For an efficient pedal stroke, your sit bones should remain stable on the wide part of the saddle with minimal movement. To check for excess movement, find the bony prominences called PSIS on your pelvis and monitor their motion while riding.

If you notice significant movement, it could mean you’re not grounded in your saddle, leading to shearing between your buttocks and the saddle—often resulting in saddle sores. Oftentimes, this means your low back, pelvis, and hips aren’t stable during riding; a problem easily addressed. At Mend, we can assess your core stability and riding technique to help you eliminate saddle sores for good.

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