CrossFit Shoulder Injury Myths: 5 Strategies to Prevent Common CrossFit Shoulder Injuries
Research shows that movements like kipping pull-ups, ring muscle-ups, snatches, and overhead work are the most frequently reported causes of shoulder injuries in CrossFit. Is this the reality? Or are there other factors like someone’s previous injury history that can lead to a CrossFit shoulder injury? Let's dive into the research to uncover the truth about CrossFit and shoulder injuries and explore effective strategies for preventing them.
3 Keys to a Great Kettlebell Bottom-Up Press
To illustrate my point, let's break down one of my favourite shoulder exercises - the Kettlebell Bottom Up Press. This exercise is a staple in our upper body rehab programs because it’s challenging (and humbling) and allows us to highlight some key muscles and areas that need work. Most importantly, it works. This exercise has also been described as a good predictor for shoulder injury (Shank, 2016). Generally, if your bottom-up press is more than 10kg off your standard kettlebell press, your shoulder stability needs improvement. Most athletes are pretty strong in their shoulders globally, but their stability sucks. It’s like it's selling a Ferrari with bald tyres and using the braking system of my beloved Toyota Corolla. And I know you will all be thinking, but Corolla's are excellent, and they are, but you get the point.
What is the best anti-inflammatory for knee pain?
Are you wondering what anti-inflammatory is best for knee pain? For knee pain associated with inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly recommended. Some over-the-counter NSAIDs available at most pharmacies in Australia that may be used for knee pain include:
The best anti-inflammatory for knee pain is Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). As it is widely used to reduce inflammation and ease pain, which is crucial with knee pain, as knee swelling can stay in the knee for weeks and cause ongoing patellofemoral pain and other issues. Ibuprofen in general is the best on a patients stomach as well, especially when taken with food.
What is BPPV, and how is it treated by a Physio?
BPPV is a common condition that affects the inner ear and causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced, leading to disturbances in balance and spatial orientation. This condition can be triggered by sudden head movements, rolling over in bed, or even looking up.
In general, BPPV is known to affect women more than men and usually affects women at middle age. This is because BPPV can develop due to increased hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause.
How much does an Ultrasound Cost in Australia?
If you’re wondering how much does an Ultrasound Cost in Australia? The average Ultrasound Cost in Australia is $100 - $150 out of pocket following a referral from a health professional. This also depends on the location of the ultrasound on the body, as well as the imaging centre. However, it is important to note, that this is the price for a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan cost, not the price for pregnancy ultrasounds, as this is different and done by specialist clinics designed to accommodate and ultrasound women during their pregnancy.
Managing Frozen Shoulder Through Menopause
Frozen shoulder doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere—it often has underlying factors, and one of those surprising connections is with menopause. Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and this demographic overlap has led researchers to believe there may be a hormonal link at play. While menopause already brings with it a range of physical and emotional changes, frozen shoulder is an unwelcome and often misunderstood addition to that list.
Frozen Shoulder and Physiotherapy - The True Story
You never realise how much you rely on your shoulder until something as simple as reaching for a mug or tying your shoelaces becomes a painful challenge. For many people, that challenge has a name: frozen shoulder. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition feels like a gradual loss of freedom—your shoulder becomes stiff and painful, and its range of motion increasingly limited. But the good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
I first encountered a frozen shoulder through a close friend. A passionate swimmer in her 40s, her shoulder troubles began subtly—a twinge here and there—but soon escalated to the point where even brushing her hair was unbearable. Witnessing her battle inspired me to explore more about frozen shoulder and how we can empower ourselves to overcome it using a combination of physiotherapy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine and massage.
At our clinic, I’ve seen patients who thought they were stuck with their frozen shoulder for life, but with consistent and gradual physiotherapy, their shoulders ‘thawed’ faster than expected. The key is consistency and not pushing yourself beyond your limits—something physiotherapists guide you through every step of the way.
Do I have Hypermobility Syndrome?
Are you wondering if you have hypermobility syndrome? Hypermobility syndrome, also known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), is a condition characterised by the ability of joints to move beyond the normal range of motion. If you suspect you may have hypermobility syndrome, there are several signs and symptoms to consider. First, a basic assessment is to evaluate your joint flexibility by performing the Beighton score, a simple test that measures hypermobility in various joints. Points are assigned based on specific criteria, such as bending your pinkie back beyond 90 degrees or placing your palms flat on the floor with straight legs. A higher score may indicate increased joint flexibility.
In addition to the Beighton score, pay attention to symptoms commonly associated with hypermobility syndrome. These may include joint pain, fatigue, and a tendency to develop injuries such as sprains and dislocations more quickly than others. Chronic pain is a crucial indicator, especially in the knees, shoulders, and other joints. If you experience recurrent joint problems, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. A rheumatologist or a specialist in connective tissue disorders can provide a comprehensive evaluation, considering your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination to determine if hypermobility syndrome is present.