Physiotherapy and Crossfit

Crossfit “boxes” (gym) popping up everywhere, and if you haven’t heard of it yet you soon will. Crossfit utilises a range of movements, sometimes complex, executed at high intensity for a given amount of time or repetitions, with the aim of providing an elite level of overall fitness. The intensity of the workout and the sense of the community at a Crossfit box is something you will not see in your average gym. Although there are many high level athletes using Crossfit as a training method, if you go into your local Crossfit gym you will see people of all shapes, sizes and ages looking to better themselves and improve their health.

The movements in Crossfit are very similar to those that appear in nature. Squats are like sit-to-stand, picking something off the ground is like a deadlift, pushing something overhead like a military press and running, jumping, pushing, pulling and climbing are some of the other key movements used. The recommended diet that many Crossfitters follow also reflects an evolutionary standpoint with the Paleo or Caveman diet. Because of the high intensity of training, improvements in fitness occur very quickly, however problems can also arise just as quickly. Injuries can arise when an individual who would normally sit at work all day,  sit in traffic on the way home, sit to eat dinner and watch TV but attempts to use complex movements at high intensity without correct preparation.

The three most valuable tools for a Crossfitter, or any other athlete, are willpower; a great coach to ensure the movements are technically correct and a Physiotherapist to ensure any small aches and pains don’t turn into anything that keeps the athlete out of the gym.  A Physiotherapist can also assess any previous injuries, joint range of motion and stability prior to starting intense exercise to dramatically reduce the risk of problems from occurring.

Even Physiotherapists who do Crossfit (like myself) have their own Physios who prescribe mobility exercises, Clinical Exercise, stability exercises and maintenance work to ensure they can stay in the gym and continue improving their fitness. Many elite Crossfitters also have regular physiotherapy treatment, not only for injury prevention but also for improving positioning and efficiency which allows them to shave seconds off their WODs (workouts). Whether you want to be the fittest man or woman on  it earth or are simply getting back into exercises after a long layoff, nothing will kill progress and motivation like forced time off and injuries.
 

Ash Moran - Physiotherapist, Back In Motion Aspendale Gardens and Crossfitter