Abstract
Study design: Case report. Background: Triathlon is a fast growing sport that combines three disciplines: swimming, biking and running. Approximately 80% to 90% of competing and actively training athletes will have an acute or overuse injury over the course of their training year. Almost half of actively training athletes have severe enough injuries to discontinue training or seek medical care. The purpose of this case report is to review current literature and to investigate the role of the physical therapy in preventing chronic injuries for an adult training for a long course triathlon. Case Description: A 48-year old recreational female triathlete training for a long course triathlon was seen two times a week for four weeks with complaints of low back pain and radiculopathy in the left lower extremity that is intensified by interval training. The patient presented with reduced lumbar range of motion, hypertonicity of lumbosacral musculature and sensory changes in left lower extremity. Outcomes: Tests and measures following core strengthening, soft tissue mobilization and neuromuscular re-education revealed improvements in low back, sacral and posterior thigh pain, muscle control, gait and function. Discussion: Physical therapists can play a crucial role in preventing recurrence of chronic injuries due to overtraining, faulty biomechanics and soft tissue restrictions by applying Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to identify triathlete's movement deficits, address soft tissue limitations and provide proper exercise prescription. Upon analyzing triathlete's training plan and the use of equipment, the physical therapist is able to offer a triathlete an individualized maintenance program for injury prevention.