Last Updated Apr 2014
In the previous article, we debunked some misconceptions that physical therapists have of CrossFit and CrossFit injuries. Here's part 2 of the article, outlining why this fitness program is actually great for you.
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Crossfit athletes go to physical therapists because they want to return to Crossfit.
One of the fastest ways to drive away and destroy rapport with CrossFitters is to tell them what they’re doing is inherently dangerous. We just spoke before how this isn’t really true. Physical therapists already don’t have the best rapport with CrossFitters because of the above stated stigmas. When I introduce myself to CrossFit coaches as a therapist, I’ll commonly be asked, “What kind of therapist are you?” as if to see if I’m on board with the whole idea of CrossFit or not.
My goal as a physical therapist is to give patients the tools to promote longevity in their sports and other recreational activities. Instead of stating that CrossFit will eventually hurt you, let’s figure out how we can keep people healthy. Not everyone will be able to return to every aspect of CrossFit, but we should be trying if it’s reasonable and our patients desire it.
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Crossfit has enormous benefits for patients.
As therapists, we only see the dark side of CrossFit. We see the injuries. We hear about rhabdo. We hear biased comments from the strength and conditioning community. We see the YouTube videos. We start to think that CrossFit is a cult of people performing high rep barbell exercises poorly while standing on kettlebells because they aren’t being taught how to exercise properly. Obviously this isn’t the case. The CrossFit coaches I’ve met have been some of the brightest trainers and are generally very passionate about their jobs.
As a physical therapist, I’m constantly racking my brain to figure out how to get people more active and to engage in better lifestyle decisions. If you’ve ever been a personal trainer then you can understand just how difficult it is to get people moving more and getting healthy. CrossFit is making our jobs easier. It’s espousing all of these things and people are getting pumped about it.
Side Note: For some reason there has always been a social stigma toward people who are making positive changes in their lives. Why is it a bad thing that people are so excited about fitness? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about people whose social outlets are riddled with alcohol, drug use and copious amounts of pork roll? I’m pretty sure drinking alcohol, eating poorly and staying up too late at night is worse than eating paleo, drinking coconut water, working hard and getting to bed early (even though the latter is less socially acceptable). We can work with a few injured people. I’d be much happier to see some more shoulder impingement and less diabetes, heart disease and morbid obesity.
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CrossFitters are not the typical patients.
CrossFitters generally love high intensity, difficult exercise. They are not afraid to push. It’s usually one of the reasons they are attracted to CrossFit in the first place. Many CrossFitters have a background in sports or other forms of high intensity exercise. If you treat these patients like the 65 year old total knee replacement patient that they’re sitting next to, chances are they will start to doubt what it is you’re doing with them. I’m not saying we should prematurely throw too much at these patients. But if your clinic has nothing but fluorescent dumbbells and your patients are only getting basic therapy exercises, chances are you’re missing the mark, and your patients will feel this way.
CrossFit athletes use kettlebells, barbells and gymnastic rings. If you’re looking to return these athletes to CrossFit then their program should most likely contain these tools. CrossFit athletes also perform high intensity exercise. Some of your therapy might end up getting these patients pretty sweaty. This is the language of CrossFit. I go have a catch with my baseball patients when they’re ready for it. I take my CrossFit patients to the Olympic lifting platform when they’re ready for it also.
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Physical therapists and rehab professionals can be of tremendous benefit to these athletes.
Therapists can be of benefit, not just for getting these individuals out of pain, but in returning to CrossFit, addressing additional issues down the kinetic chain, screening for risk of injury and educating patients about the body and proper biomechanics during exercise. In my mind this is the same as returning post ACL repair patients back to their sport. Therapists have a tremendous set of skills and, in my opinion, largely undervalue their abilities.
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Different Crossfitters have different goals.
Not everyone wants to squat 500lbs or make it to the CrossFit games; but some do. This is one of the first questions I’ll ask these athletes. Do you want to be competitive? How competitive? Do you care about getting really strong? Is your main goal to be able to play with your kids and keep your body strong and healthy? This makes an enormous difference in the rehab process. Often times our biases can get in the way of seeing what our patients really want. We can’t lump all “CrossFitters” into the same boat. Our therapy should reflect the patient’s goals as an individual.
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Crossfit is getting extremely popular.
One of the potential reasons therapists are seeing more CrossFit injuries is simply because more and more people are engaging in CrossFit. I continue to see runners on a daily basis with injuries and I know one of the reasons this is occurring is simply because there are so many runners out there. This is all the more reason to start learning more about CrossFit.
Watch out for the final part of this article next week!
About the Author: Dan is a 28 year old lifelong athlete, physical therapist, health and fitness professional and self-proclaimed meathead. Dan holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ. He also has a B.S. in exercise science with a minor in nutrition from Rutgers University.
For more articles and PT information, visit him at Fitness Pain Free.
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