In recent years, the CrossFit craze has taken hold of people of all ages, turning housewives into heavy lifters and teens into tanks. Originally used as a strength & conditioning program for police academies and military units, this popular program combines weightlifting, conditioning, and gymnastics to create a high-intensity workout that people can’t seem to get enough of. CrossFit is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing fitness trends in the world.
CrossFit Athletes Require Preventative Care
As CrossFitters have transitioned from casual “gym rats” to full-blown athletes, they’re need for preventative care has been noted as an important component of training. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 73.5% of 132 CrossFitters surveyed had sustained injuries. Of those, 9% required surgery. The most common injuries reported were:
- low back strain
- shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendonitis
- anterior knee pain
- tennis elbow
- Achilles tendonitis
CrossFit Recovery & Preventative Care Tips
With the CrossFit Games about to go down, it’s a great time to take a look at some simple preventative care steps CrossFit athletes can take to avoid being sidelined for a long recovery period.
- Choose a safe CrossFit gym that stresses using the right gear and knowing your limits.
- Warm up and stretch thoroughly before performing activities. This lengthens the muscles, minimizing muscle strain and tearing.
- Use proper technique and equipment
- DON’T OVER TRAIN! Set realistic, incremental goals for steady and always schedule rest days
- Listen to your body. Apply ice to knees, back or stressed joints. Lessen your workout or see an orthopedic specialist when you suffer injuries.
As with any injury, early intervention with CrossFit pain is critical. Although the pain may seem minor, left untreated the condition can become exacerbated. For instance, when suffering from Achilles tendonitis—characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling in the back of the leg to the heel—people must rest and avoid strain until the tendon can heal. If left untreated, what could have been a minor injury needing minimal downtime can lead to a blown out tendon requiring surgery.
If you want to get your recovery on the same level as your training, contact the Orthopedic Specialty Institute today at info@192.168.100.2 or 954-866-9699.