CrossFit is without a doubt, one of the most intense forms of exercise that you can do. Not only does it test the mind and body by pushing you to the limits, it often teaches you to do things you never thought were possible.
Unfortunately, the relationship between physiotherapy and CrossFit is often forgotten. We asked physiotherapist Kelly Barrie what the importance of physiotherapy for CrossFit athletes:
CrossFit Injuries
While CrossFit does have a reputation for creating injuries for athletes, it is important to know that CrossFit is not to blame for these injuries. Instead, they are caused by putting too much stress on our bodies by performing moves incorrectly. Performing movements in a competitive, high intensity environment can make it easy to suffer injuries. Even when you think that the workout itself is completely safe. Whether you are trying a move that you have not mastered the form of, or you have jumped straight into a workout without adequate warming up, it is easy to put yourself at risk of injury.
When you do experience an injury from CrossFit, you will need to get your body back in shape over time, through the guidance of a physiotherapist. But even if you are not injured but are still a CrossFit athlete, you still should pay visit to a physiotherapist for prevention.
Physiotherapy without Injuries
Paying visit to a physiotherapist before injury strikes is a great way to prevent the pain and suffering that come along with being injured in sports. A physiotherapist will be able to evaluate your body and your situation in order to see where your weaknesses are. They often can observe you working out as well and see where your form is incorrect and what muscles require more strength or flexibility in order to stay away from injuries.
At your physiotherapy appointment, you can expect to get a treatment plan. This will often include exercises that you should be doing to adequately strengthen your body. The goal for this type of treatment is to stop any injury from happening in the first place. Physiotherapists might also be able to massage out any muscles or use an ultrasound machine to help prevent inflammation. It might not be an injury yet, but working through these kinds of things can often prevent them.
Physiotherapy with Injuries
If you need to pay a visit to a physiotherapist because you are injured, don’t worry. That is the reason most people pay a visit to the physiotherapist. After your injury has been evaluated by a physician, your physiotherapist will be able to create a treatment plan to help with your recovery. The goal of treatment is to get your body back in shape for working out more. This often includes rest, stretching, strength-building, and icing.
A physiotherapist can also manage your symptoms as they come up. This might be reducing pain or increasing range in motion, but generally, the end-goal is to help you move much easier than you were. Often, the symptom of pain is not coming from the location that you are feeling it. As our bodies are full of nerves, you might be experiencing hip pain that’s really related to your sciatic nerve. Your ankle might be sore, but it could be compensating for your knee. A physiotherapist looks at the whole body as a connected unit to help build a recovery plan and get you back in the action.
The Future
Many CrossFit athletes wonder whether they can continue after an injury. As long as you are under the watchful guidance of a physiotherapist, you should be able to get back into the swing of things and prevent future injuries. Understanding how your own body works is essential to your future as an athlete. There is no reason to give it up. Just proceed with awareness and reliable help from a professional.
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