Training for a Triathlon: When and Why to consult a Physiotherapist

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Training for a Triathlon: When and Why to consult a physiotherapist

Consulting a physiotherapist before starting triathlon training can be a great way to prevent injuries and optimise your performance. Here are some key situations when you should consider seeing one:

1. If You Have a History of Injuries or Pain

  • Past injuries (e.g., knee pain, lower back issues, or shin splints) can flare up with training. A physio can assess weaknesses and create a plan to prevent re-injury.

  • If you have chronic pain or discomfort, especially in weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, ankles), get checked before increasing your training load.

2. If You’re New to One or More Disciplines

  • If you’re not an experienced swimmer, cyclist, or runner, a physiotherapist can assess your movement patterns to prevent overuse injuries.

  • They can help with swim stroke mechanics, bike fitting, and running gait analysis to reduce strain and improve efficiency.

3. If You Experience Pain During or After Training

  • Soreness is normal, but sharp, persistent, or worsening pain is a red flag.

  • A physio can identify the root cause and help modify your training before it leads to serious injury.

4. If You Have Poor Flexibility or Mobility

  • Limited mobility (e.g., tight hamstrings, stiff shoulders) can affect your form and performance in all three sports.

  • A physiotherapist can design a mobility and strength routine tailored to your body’s needs.

5. If You Want to Improve Performance & Prevent Injuries

  • Even if you’re pain-free, a physio can help with strengthening weak muscles, improving core stability, and addressing imbalances to optimize your training.

  • This is especially useful if you’re training for longer distances like an Olympic, Half-Ironman, or full Ironman triathlon.

6. If You’re Unsure About Training Load & Recovery

  • A physiotherapist can help you balance training intensity, recovery, and cross-training to avoid burnout and injuries.

Bottom Line:

Seeing a physiotherapist before you start training can set a strong foundation, especially if you have previous injuries, mobility restrictions, or are new to one of the disciplines. If pain arises during training, don’t ignore it—consult a physio early to stay on track for race day!

Seb Hardy