Podcast Episode 12: How to Care for Triathletes and Their Common Injuries
Podcast Episode 12: How to Care for Triathletes and Their Common Injuries with Dan Boyd
In this second episode with physiotherapist and accomplished long distanced triathlete Dan Boyd, we talk about common injuries triathletes may face. We also go into how you can rehabilitate these injuries, plan your week and how you can even prevent these injuries.
What Our Experts Say
One of the most useful points from this discussion is the importance of looking at the athlete’s entire training week. Rehabilitation and injury-prevention exercises need to work alongside swimming, cycling and running rather than simply becoming more activity to fit in. An individual plan can help a triathlete return gradually after injury while still working towards their wider training goals.
Key Takeaways
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Triathlon injuries are often linked to training load – Repeating the demands of swimming, cycling and running without enough recovery can increase the risk of overuse injuries.
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Rehabilitation does not always mean stopping completely – Training can often be adapted so you maintain some fitness while allowing an injured area to recover.
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Your whole training week matters – Swimming, cycling, running, strength work and recovery should be planned together rather than treated as separate sessions.
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Gradual progression can reduce injury risk – Increasing distance, intensity or frequency too quickly can place excessive strain on the body, so training should be built up steadily.
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Early assessment can support a safer return – Seeking advice when pain persists or affects your technique can help identify contributing factors and guide an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
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FAQs
1. What are the most common injuries experienced by triathletes?
Triathletes commonly experience overuse injuries because of the repeated demands of swimming, cycling and running. The podcast discusses why it is important to consider which discipline, movement or part of the training plan may be contributing to the problem.
2. Do I need to stop training completely if I am injured?
Not always. Dan explains that training can often be modified so you can maintain some fitness while allowing the injured area to recover. The right approach will depend on the injury and how it responds to activity.
3. How should I organise my weekly triathlon training?
Your swimming, cycling and running sessions should be considered as one complete training programme. Planning harder sessions alongside easier days and sufficient recovery can help you manage the overall demands placed on your body.
4. How can triathletes reduce their risk of injury?
Building your training gradually, allowing enough time for recovery and responding to early signs of discomfort can help reduce your injury risk. The podcast also highlights the importance of planning your week rather than looking at each training session in isolation.
5. When should a triathlete seek help for an injury?
It is worth seeking professional advice when pain continues, becomes worse or begins to affect your training or technique. An assessment can help identify the factors contributing to the injury and guide an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
Feeling Inspired?
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Education is Key
These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
If you are not sure whether this is for you, simply get in touch. We are here to help!
Published 22 Dec 2020 · Updated 3 Aug 2026