- Blog
Why Do CrossFit Injuries Occur?
Posted on 09-06-2024 in CrossFit by Dr. Chris O'Grady
Like any other exercise program, most CrossFit-related injuries occur because athletes aren’t using proper form, haven’t warmed up or they push themselves beyond safe limits.
Injuries also occur when athletes ramp up activity too quickly without working up to higher levels of intensity over time.
Using the CrossFit methodology, athletes focus on pushing themselves to the maximum ability. Most CrossFit gyms (referred to as a CrossFit box) have a large digital clock and a vocal instructor urging CrossFitters to work as hard as they can in the time allowed.
Work Out Smart
Even with the pace of CrossFit workouts, athletes need to be aware of their body’s limitations and, most importantly, work out smart. That means listening to cues and signs indicating it’s time to scale back and take it easier. Building up strength takes time. Athletes who think they can jump ahead by overstraining their bodies are in for a rude awakening – and a lot of pain.
Injuries tend to occur more often in those who work out on their own or in a facility that’s not equipped to handle CrossFit training. CrossFit is different from many other exercise programs and workout “routines.” CrossFit requires not only specific equipment but also trained, attentive staff to oversee workouts of the day (WOD).
10 CrossFit Fitness “Domains”
CrossFit includes plenty of exercises to help athletes reach their potential in each of these 10 areas:
- Accuracy
- Agility
- Balance
- Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Power
- Speed
- Stamina
- Strength
Some of these exercises are more likely to cause injuries than others.
For instance, bounding box jumps place a lot of excess strain on the heels and calves. They can also cause Achilles tendon injuries. Kipping pull-ups are associated with shoulder injuries, especially when an athlete doesn’t adhere to proper form. High-rep Olympic lifts are another common source of injuries, especially in the back, arms and legs. This is especially true when lifting heavy.
All CrossFitters, especially novices, need to pay close attention to their form when completing these exercises and others and be aware of any signals their bodies may be sending them, so they know when to back off.
Check out some of our related posts:
Fireworks Injury Prevention
While fireworks can be the highlight of your Fourth of July celebration, they pose significant risks, particularly to the hands and arms. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Report, the hands and fingers account for 29% of the body parts injured, the highest percentage of any body part. The same report also indicated that 73% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks leading up to and after the July 4th holiday. Understanding these dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure your Independence Day remains fun and injury-free.
Smith Named OsteoStrong Medical Director
Recently, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Brett Smith was appointed as the new Medical Director for OsteoStrong® Gulf Breeze and OsteoStrong® Cordova Pensacola, marking a significant milestone for the brand locally. As a global wellness franchise, OsteoStrong® provides a unique, science-backed system for strengthening bones, joints, and muscles using cutting-edge technology and personalized care for its members.
Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence
In 2004, Dr. Roger Ostrander and Dr. Josh Hackel stood beside their mentor and friend, Dr. James Andrews, to announce the creation of the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Florida. During the announcement, the practice's namesake, Dr. Andrews, noted, "We would like to figure out how to prevent the injuries that we see in all of our youth sports, and you know you've got lots of those going on in this community."