The tendon inflammation that slowed down Alessandro Covi’s season has completely returned. In the coming weeks the UAE Team Emirates rider is ready to make up for lost time. We have already tasted his desire for revenge in a previous interview, now it’s time to understand how he got back on the bike and competitive. To do this, Victor Moreno, the team’s physiotherapist, comes to our aid who followed Covi during the injury.
«Covi felt pain in the achilles tendon in his left leg – says Moreno – during the Tirreno-Adriatico – he continued pedaling to finish the race. At the same time, we believe due to compensation, he developed another inflammation of the patellar tendon of his right knee. In these cases it is always difficult to understand the underlying cause, it is possible that the volume and intensity of the running was a determining factor.”
Small changes
Speaking with Covi it emerged that nothing had changed regarding the bike compared to the previous season. The only thing that had changed was the insole of the shoesa new model that seemed to give it more stability. So much so that the Shimano cleats were changed, going from blue to yellow. The inflammation of the tendon then forced Covi to return to the blues during this season.
«I think the problem may be linked to this – says the physiotherapist – the tendon worked harder and was overworked. Which expanded with the intensity of the race and the volume of training. Even though, at the beginning of the season, during winter preparation, he had no pain. I believe that the great effort made at Tirreno brought them to the surface.”
How did you react to the problem?
We haven’t stopped Covi completely, but we have reduced the training load. It was decided to have him do less intensity and fewer hours on the bike, this was an important factor in recovery. They were also make some changes to the insole adding a little thickness to make the tendon relax.
What therapy was done?
Lots of stretching and strength in the gym. Stretching reduces pain because it lengthens the muscles and “unloads” the tendon. The gym, on the other hand, served to reshape the tendon and maintain a high general level. With fewer hours on the bike it was necessary to keep the athlete trained and in shape.
Were any machines also used?
The physiotherapist’s work is a mix of everything. Machines are used to reduce pain, in Covi’s case we did a lot of laser therapy and used Tecar. But the gym also becomes essential to strengthen the muscles.
Does strengthening the muscle help take away inflammation?
Yes, because the tendon helps the muscle perform its function. If this is poorly trained then the tendon becomes overloaded and is easy to become inflamed. Scientifically, the best way to recover from tendon inflammation is to combine active work therapy.
Covi has been running again for a month, has he fully recovered?
He has been working at full load for two weeks, but it has been a progressive job done week after week. He added hours on the bike and intensity with consistency, so as not to strain the tendon. His trainer and I did a joint job. As soon as a race finishes she calls me and updates me on how she’s doing.
Have you abandoned therapy?
The instrumental one yes. It no longer makes Tecar, laser or anything else. However, continue to do strength training in the gym and stretch as preventive work. His racing calendar includes many commitments, but it is always monitored to avoid relapses.
