Editor's Note: This article is adapted from Dr. Morgan's 2015 book, Hero Workouts.
Cross-fitness centers are expanding in number and increasing in popularity. To remain relevant to this growing portion of society, practitioners need to learn about the exercises and injuries common to this group.
I have a love-hate relationship with cross-fitness. I love the functional aspect of cross-fitness workouts and the push toward functional motion patterns, versus the use of weight-lifting machines and muscle isolation exercises. Additionally, I like the metabolic aspect of cross-fitness workouts, which can have profound effect on athleticism and performance.
On the other hand, what I don't like about cross-fitness is the lack of uniformity in the qualifications of cross-fitness instructors and the timing of certain exercises, like heavy deadlifts for time or 30 snatches for time, after an athlete is already fatigued and prone to injury.
There is also a wide range of expertise when it comes to the people who train clients in these functional gyms. Some of the athletic trainers are fantastic. Some boxes (cross-fitness lingo for a cross-fitness gym) are run by chiropractors or physical therapists, or at least have chiropractors as clients or consultants. In my opinion these tend to be more prone to adapt exercise programs to individuals to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, there are also trainers who are not as knowledgeable in adapting fitness programs to the needs of an individual. (But to be fair, the same can be said about fitness trainers in any gym.)
Certainly cross-fitness has disrupted a well-entrenched fitness industry by capitalizing on people's desire to develop social bonds, compete and get into really good shape. In several ways, cross-fitness is more of a sport than a fitness program. Although many doctors feel these programs are injuring their patients, I believe it is a good idea to make peace and communicate the particular needs of our patients. The cross-fitness movement is adapting and evolving, albeit slowly, improving the programs and reducing the risk of injury.
Cross-fitness, as the name implies, combines a cross of various fitness methods to develop athletic prowess. Included in the program are Olympic lifts, gymnastics, kettlebells, plyometrics, calisthenics, running, swimming, rope climbing and mobility exercises. Certainly there would be a concern if a patient with a hypermobility syndrome such as Ehlers-Danlos began performing dips, push-ups or muscle-ups on gymnastic rings. These exercises could lead to a dislocated shoulder. Equally distressing is the thought of a lumbar disc patient performing heavy deadlifts in a timed event.
Some people should never do particular exercises, but some exercises should not be done by anyone. Let's address Olympic lifting, squatting motions, and the importance of thoracic spine motion during overhead lifting.
Olympic Lifting
Successful Olympic weight-lifters have unique body types. Not everyone has the genetics to be a successful and safe Olympic weight-lifter. The combination of hip-joint, thoracic-spine, foot / ankle and shoulder mobility must be coupled with shoulder stability and power.
Those with more shallow hip sockets will have a greater range of hip motion, and are genetically better suited for performing Olympic lifts and squatting motions. Those with deep, more stable hip joints are no less capable athletes, but they probably won't be great Olympic lifters or proficient at performing deep squats.
By having patients perform a few squats in your office, you can get a good idea of whether or not they should progress to performing an Olympic lift such as a clean and jerk or a snatch. The patient's feet should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and the toes slightly turned outward. The patient should be able to maintain a lumbar lordosis throughout the squat. The head should be up (not flexed or excessively extended), and the heels should remain on the ground.
If there are flaws in squatting patterns, they should be addressed before this patient can progress to an exercise such as the clean and jerk. Mobility exercises for the hip, the spine or the foot can be used to isolate the source of the motion flaw. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine, hip, and foot may be indicated.
The Clean and Jerk
Proper technique is imperative when performing the clean and jerk, and proper technique requires coaching. While not everyone has the genetics to perform the clean and jerk to high levels of performance, most athletes should be able to perform this exercise even if they must modify their technique or perform this exercise with kettlebells.
The Aggregate of Thoracic Spine-Shoulder Motion in Overhead Lifting
Thoracic spine motion is required for all end-range shoulder motions. End-range shoulder motions include overhead pressing, the clean and jerk, pull-ups, handstands and other overhead lifts. If the thoracic spine lacks significant motion, there is a much greater likelihood of shoulder impairment.
Shoulder injuries are particularly prevalent when performing exercises such as kipping pull-ups and the overhead snatch. Loss of thoracic motion or a hunched upper back (increased kyphosis) can be treated with adjustments and by rolling the thoracic spine over a foam roller or gym ball.
Thoracic Adjustments for Reducing Shoulder Pain
Thoracic adjustments might be the simplest answer to reducing pain in an impinged shoulder. In a 2009 study by Strunce and colleagues, a thoracic spinal manipulative thrust was performed on a sample of 56 individuals with symptomatic shoulders from impingement. After two days, there was a significant decrease in pain levels in more than 50 percent of individuals.
The cross-fitness emphasis on pull-ups and overhead lifting may produce a glut of shoulder injuries from otherwise dormant thoracic and shoulder impairments. By recognizing the functional relationship between the thoracic spine and the shoulder joints, we can help athletes remain active and pain-free as they engage in their preferred activities.
Resources
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
