Preventing CrossFit injuries

Common CrossFit injuries

High interval training such as CrossFit brings with it high risk of injury serious injury. This is why it is recommended that a certified trainer oversea your form.

The most common types of injuries that occur during CrossFit exercises are knee injuries such as MCL and meniscal tears.  Wearing knee supports can minimise your chances of injury by providing stability and compression which can assist in reducing lateral knee movement. Having high quality knee supports will help you nail your next overhead squat, tyre flips or ball throws with confidence.

Treating and preventing CrossFit injuries

If you have injured yourself, we recommend that you see a medical specialist straight away. Diagnosing the issue properly will determine the best course of action for rehabilitation. However, here’s some of the best treatments.

Sprains & Strains

Most sprains and strains can be treated with the RICE method. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Additional to this seeking treatment from a medical professional such as a physio will help you the recovery process.

Patella Pain

This is mostly caused due to poor form when lifting. If you are starting CrossFit for the first time or adding a new exercise to your routine, seek a certified trainers assistance. Good trainers will videotape your lifts and give feedback on your mechanics.

Meniscal Tear

Treatment of meniscal tears can be undertaken through the RICE method mentioned above. However, with most meniscal tears anti-inflammatory medication gets prescribed by qualified medical practitioners. Advanced meniscal tears require surgery but the procedure is not very invasive allowing for quicker recovery.

Ligament tearing

Ligament tears generally requires surgery and commonly requires a graft of tissue to help the ligament to heal. Although the procedure is not invasive, it can take time to heal this type of injury.

Some lesser occurring CrossFit injuries

• Tennis elbow
• Back strain
• Pulled or torn calf

Although these types of injuries occur less than knee injuries doesn’t mean you are at lesser risk. For all of these types of injuries it is advised that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible and apply the RICE method.

Prevention of injury is always the key! Always have a certified trainer critique your exercises and whenever possible wear appropriate braces for prevention. A good fitting brace will give you the confidence to concentrate on your lift instead of worrying about injury.

Checkout our category of CrossFit braces.