Is Your Body a Ticking Time Bomb? 5 Ways To Prevent Re-Injury

Due to it's competitive nature, CrossFit can sometimes be associated with injuries.  Listen to your body.  Stop if needed.  Live to fight another day.  Don't do it.  But this blog isn't about injury, it's about the seldom topic of re-injury.  

As masters athletes, we have a higher probability of a previous injury (maybe not even CrossFit related).  If not properly healed, your body may be a ticking time bomb.  Instead of giving your body a chance to heal, you have to start the process over again.  According to the NCBI, the risk of re-injury is highest soon after injury (0-6 months), but persists for at least 5 years after initial injury (and maybe longer).

So, here’s 5 Ways To Prevent Re-Injury:

1. No matter when your injury occurred (yesterday or 5 years ago), make the decision TODAY to heal the properly (not by a certain date or “work through the pain”).  Otherwise you are at higher risk of re-injury.
2. See trained professional(s): doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.  They are trained on helping you come up with a plan to heal in the shortest amount of time. 
3. Follow the plan.  Sounds simple?  Really it’s not.  You may be itching to get back in the gym and squeeze in a WOD.  DON’T DO IT. 
4. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Don’t push it.  You may still do other non-strenuous activities like stretching.  Talk to your doctor for more information. 
5. Once you’re cleared, ease back into it.  Your body needs time to re-acclimate.  Remember, you are at risk for 5 years.

Conclusion:  Don't get injured.  But if you do, you know your body better than anyone else, including your CrossFit coach and fellow CrossFitters.  So don’t push yourself beyond your limits.  Listen to your body.  Stay well within them.  Especially if you've experienced an injury in the last 5 years.  Don't let your ego drive you to re-injure yourself.