A Physical Therapist’s Perspective of CrossFit
CrossFit is a specific type of group exercise made up of constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. CrossFit is competitive in nature and can consist of high intensity timed intervals, weight training, rowing, running, and gymnastics. Not only is this workout class gaining more and more popularity, but it is also the topic of conversation among medical professionals because of its competitive nature. Many patients question if this innovative new exercise class is considered safe and want to know the risk of injury. CrossFit, as well as any other workout class or program, has many benefits and can be a fun way to motivate people, strengthen muscles, find group support, and increase cardiovascular health. Although these classes have many benefits to them, these exercises may lead to injuries, especially for someone who is just starting the workout program. To participate in these classes while reducing the risk of injury, patients need to understand a physical therapist’s view of CrossFit.
Here at ProTouch Physical Therapy, we believe that CrossFit can be done in a healthy and safe way with the help of our physical therapy experts. The first way to prevent injury is knowing how the body works. At ProTouch, we don’t tell athletes to stop the sport they love; instead, we help our patients understand how to gain the most benefits out of their exercise programs, and making sure these movements are done in a safe way to prevent any possible injuries.
How do these injuries happen?
CrossFit training is not the problem. Understanding our bodies as well as the stress we impose on our bodies through incorrect movements, is very important. CrossFit is a balance of weight training and high-intensity movements, and when blended together, this combination of exercise may cause people to perform movements incorrectly in order to be within the allotted time interval. Our bodies adjust to these performances during the allotted exercise time but can result in injury later on. The exercises are not the problem, rather the imbalance, weakness, and physical asymmetries in each individual’s bodies can cause injuries from compensatory movements.
How can I safely participate?
Many athletes and CrossFit trainers underutilize physical therapy in their gyms. Our physical therapists can counteract injury before it occurs, or at the very least, manage an athletes symptoms before serious injury occurs. When combined with CrossFit, physical therapy can help athletes prevent injury and get the most out of their training techniques.
- Practice Proper Technique: Proper technique is the most important. When performing exercises that involve weight and resistance, we recommend you start light. Exercises like a squat or overhead press are perfectly safe when done correctly. If you decide to overload the weight and your form worsens, it could lead to very serious injuries in the future. Even small errors done repeatedly can cause serious damage. Our Team is trained to assess and correct techniques of common exercises.
- Stretch: Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent injuries and increase mobility. Almost all CrossFit exercises require good mobility in order to properly perform the compound movements. Although stretching helps to prevent injuries, stretches alone cannot fully prevent all injuries. Injuries can be from a combination of weakness and tightness in joints and muscles that cause pain.
- Visit a Physical Therapist: Many athletes fail to realize the importance of the relationship between physical therapy and CrossFit. With the help of experts and physical medicine, athletes can increase mobility and get the most out of their training without the risk of injury. Our clinic is conveniently located in Cranford, only a few miles away from Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and New Providence in Union County!
Interested in finding out more about our experts’ opinions? Contact us today!