Top Five Injuries CrossFit Athletes Suffer From and How to Prevent Them
Posted on 18th June 2024 at 16:35
CrossFit has taken the fitness world by storm with its high-intensity workouts and diverse exercises.
While this form of training can yield impressive results, it also poses certain risks for injuries. Here, we'll explore the top five injuries that CrossFit athletes commonly face and offer tips on how to prevent them.
1. Shoulder Injuries
Common Issues: Rotator cuff tears, impingement, and labral tears.
Causes: Overhead lifts, pull-ups, and muscle-ups.
Prevention: Strengthen shoulder stabilizers with exercises like scapular push-ups and resistance band external rotations. Ensure proper warm-up and technique during overhead movements.
2. Lower Back Pain
Common Issues: Muscle strains, herniated discs, and lumbar sprains.
Causes: Improper form during deadlifts, squats, and Olympic lifts.
Prevention: Focus on core strengthening and maintaining a neutral spine. Use appropriate weights and avoid overloading. Consider regular check-ins with a physiotherapist to ensure optimal movement patterns.
3. Knee Injuries
Common Issues: Patellar tendinitis, meniscus tears, and ligament sprains.
Causes: Squats, box jumps, and lunges.
Prevention: Strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. Pay attention to alignment and avoid excessive knees caving in (knee valgus) during exercises.
4. Wrist Strains
Common Issues: Tendinitis and ligament sprains.
Causes: Handstands, clean and jerks, and front squats.
Prevention: Increase wrist flexibility and strength with mobility drills and wrist curls. Utilize wrist wraps for added support during heavy lifts and ensure proper hand positioning.
5. Achilles Tendon Injuries
Common Issues: Tendinitis and tears.
Causes: Running, box jumps, and Skipping (double-unders).
Prevention: Gradually increase the intensity and volume of plyometric exercises. Regularly stretch and strengthen the calf muscles. Incorporate eccentric calf raises into your routine to build tendon resilience.
General Tips for Injury Prevention
Warm-Up Thoroughly: Always start with a comprehensive warm-up to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles and joints for the workout.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to pain signals and don’t ignore them. Rest and recover adequately to avoid overuse injuries.
Technique Over Intensity: Prioritize proper form over heavy weights or fast times. Enlist the help of a qualified coach to ensure you're performing exercises correctly.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular visits with a physiotherapist to address any minor issues before they become major problems.
CrossFit can be a rewarding and effective way to stay fit, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential for injuries. By taking proactive steps to prevent these common injuries, you can enjoy the benefits of CrossFit while minimizing your risk.
For more information on injury prevention or to book a physiotherapy session, visit our website or contact us at Breakspeare Clinics.
Stay strong and safe,
- Paul
Struggling with CrossFit Injuries?
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