CrossFit has earned both praise for its transformative results and criticism for its perceived injury risk. While research suggests that CrossFit injury rates are comparable to other high-intensity sports, the injuries tend to cluster around predictable problem areas.
The Most Common CrossFit Injuries
- Shoulder injuries: The most vulnerable joint in CrossFit, often affected by impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or labral strain. Overhead movements (snatches, jerks, pull-ups, handstand push-ups) are common culprits.
- Lower back injuries: Heavy deadlifts, squats, and repetitive bending under fatigue can lead to lumbar strains, herniated discs, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- Knee injuries: Patellar tendon irritation, meniscus stress, or general knee pain often appear in athletes who squat or jump with poor mechanics.
- Wrist and elbow injuries: High-repetition cleans, jerks, or handstands place stress on smaller joints, often leading to tendinitis or sprains.
- Achilles tendon and foot injuries: Box jumps and double-unders can create explosive stress on the Achilles and plantar fascia.
How Physical Therapy Prevents Injuries
Physical therapists intervene at multiple stages:
- Screening and assessment: Tools like the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) or selective functional movement assessments (SFMA) highlight mobility restrictions or asymmetries.
- Corrective exercises: PTs prescribe mobility drills, activation work, and stability training that athletes can integrate into warm-ups.
- Load management: PTs help athletes understand progressive overload, deload weeks, and recovery timing — concepts often overlooked when WODs encourage pushing to the limit daily.
- Technique optimization: Subtle cues, such as neutral spine alignment or knee tracking, make movements safer.
- Education: PTs teach athletes to recognize early warning signs of overtraining and to distinguish between “good pain” (muscular effort) and “bad pain” (joint strain).
For instance, if an athlete’s knees collapse inward during squats (valgus collapse), a PT identifies weak glute medius activation, prescribes strengthening drills, and coaches proper knee alignment. This not only reduces injury risk but also improves lifting power.
By addressing these issues early, our physical therapists at Lifestyle Physical Therapy can help shift the narrative of CrossFit from one of “injury-prone workouts” to one of resilient, sustainable performance. Give us a call today!