CrossFit is more dangerous than they want you to believe, and it's still worth doing - Amy West
May 13, 2024
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Dr. Amy West discusses the injury risks of CrossFit, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of staying active. The conversation delves into musculoskeletal health, societal changes needed for a vibrant society, and the effectiveness of CrossFit in fitness. It challenges the notion that CrossFit is more dangerous than being sedentary, advocating for proper training and movement awareness to mitigate injury risks.
CrossFit's injury risks are overblown but worth the elite fitness challenge.
Efficient communication is crucial for connecting patients with the right medical professionals.
Optimizing physical therapy with individualized sessions benefits active individuals.
Deep dives
Importance of Taking Responsibility for Personal Health
Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health is highlighted. The focus is on the willingness of certain people to put in the effort to improve themselves. The podcast emphasizes connecting individuals with the right professionals who can help them on their journey to better health.
The Impact of Coordination and Communication in Medical Referrals
Efficient coordination and quick communication between medical professionals and referrals are discussed. The importance of promptly connecting patients with the right providers is emphasized. The role of effective communication in ensuring timely appointments and streamlined care is highlighted.
Preference for Non-Invasive Treatments in Active Individuals
Active individuals preferring non-invasive treatments to maintain their level of activity are mentioned. The significance of exploring options beyond surgery and injections is discussed. Encouraging patients to consider physical therapy and personalized treatment plans that align with their activity goals is emphasized.
Maximizing Physical Therapy Effectiveness
Optimizing physical therapy by focusing on individualized and in-depth sessions is emphasized. The importance of quality time spent with therapists, tailored movements, and goal-oriented exercises is highlighted. Addressing the limitations of mainstream physical therapy practices and promoting specialized care for athletes and active individuals is discussed.
Exercise and Risk Perception
Engaging in physical activities like running or CrossFit may involve perceived risks, yet it's crucial to distinguish between probable dangers and beneficial challenges. While some may view activities as dangerous, others find them motivating. Understanding that discomfort and potential injuries are part of the risk-reward equation can help individuals navigate their fitness journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of realistic risk assessment when embarking on exercise routines.
Metabolic Health and Pain Management
Metabolic health plays a significant role in managing pain and injuries, impacting how the body responds to physical activity. Better metabolic health can mitigate inflammatory responses, which are key contributors to pain and tissue breakdown. Educating individuals on distinguishing between normal irritation and actual pain can empower them to better understand their bodies' responses to exercise. Enhancing metabolic health can lead to improved pain management and functional outcomes, especially in addressing chronic conditions like arthritis or musculoskeletal issues.
Life is dangerous if we decide to live it to it's fullest, and I'm not here to sit on the sideline.
On today's episode of The Active Life Podcast my friend, Dr. Amy West is back, and we are talking about the injury risks associated with CrossFit, how overblown they are, and how under reported. We also talk about a bunch of other things related to musculoskeletal health, and what society needs to change if we're going to become vibrant again.
I believe that if CrossFit went back to its roots and wore the badge of "forging elite fitness", acknowledging stuff happens when you're trying to be elite, they would enjoy massive success, again.
I believe CrossFit is the most disruptive, and efficacious methodological breakthrough in fitness since Jack Lalanne hit the screens in the 1950s, and like anything else, it's flawed.
It's more dangerous to be sedentary than to do CrossFit, and to suggest doing CrossFit is dangerous is also incorrect.
Enjoy the show.
@amywestmd
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