My name is Jim and I am the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bikeworks. The handcycle I am sitting on was purchased by myself nearly 16 years ago as one of Bikeworks' very early fleet cycles. Fast forward 16 years and I am now using this cycle for my own rehabilitation.
I have been carrying Bursitis of the shoulder, also known as subacromial bursitis, and it's a common condition that occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder, becomes inflamed. I am not a gym person and whilst I enjoy cycling and running I have been able to put up with the pain in my shoulder for nearly three years.
Eight months ago I had a steroid injection into my shoulder and this took the pain away almost immediately. However, I did not carry out any of the prescribed physio and within 10 weeks the pain returned. Four months down the line I decided I had to sort this issue out and paid for another injection. Again, I was told what exercises I needed to do in order to build the muscles up to protect the shoulder and get back to being able to swim and generally be pain free.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not a gym person...Stick me on a bike and I can ride for days. Again, a few weeks passed of enjoying being pain free and no visit to the gym.
I then decided with my basic knowledge of muscles that maybe using the handcycle could be an option.. and surprise surprise and I am now pain free.
For me, finding an activity I had a passion for enabled my transition. Bikeworks has a range of cycles that can be used for general adapted riding so do get in touch. The fact that I had a cycle under my nose all that time is slightly embarrassing, but now it only motivates more to help others use cycling as a rehab option.