With the evolution of the fitness industry, new approaches to exercise are emerging in big box gyms, boutique fitness studios, and CrossFit boxes. The increased popularity of functional strength training, power lifting, and full-body (multi-joint) movements provides a new environmental stimulus that forges higher degrees of challenge and athleticism. With greater resistance, complexity and intensity of each exercise comes a heightened demand placed on the body's systems.

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When you train at relatively high intensities as a strength or functional fitness athlete (ex. CrossFit), you are placing more demands on your body in order to attain a specific level of fitness or performance. As with any physical activity that challenges you to push your boundaries, you are subject to an elevated risk of injury.

While these symptoms are common among Crossfitters, they are not normal and should be addressed by a qualified healthcare provider. If this sounds like you, click here to get help now.

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Injuries can occur due to factors such as poor training strategies, inadequate mobility and stability, or even bad luck training accidents. What is commonly overlooked is the true root cause of your pain or injury, which is often a lack of neuromuscular control.

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The concept of neuromuscular control refers to your brain's capacity to turn on the right muscles, at the right time, and with the right amount of muscle strength in order to produce a desired movement. The more complex or intense the movement performed, the higher degree of neuromuscular control required.

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Many physical events (injury, surgery, etc.) can disrupt your brain's capacity to execute this program, a process known as neuromuscular de-activation. As a result, there is a tendency for your body to compensate, with less efficient movement patterns, in order to maintain the same current level of physical activity. Eventually, neuromuscular de-activation can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, muscle imbalance, and abnormal joint stress. You will often see a decline in fitness and performance until adequate neuromuscular control is restored.

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How can Activcore help?

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The physical demands of athletes are uniquely different from the general population who do not engage in similar activity. Likewise, physical therapy for this special population should not be given a conventional approach. Working with athletes is typically not a big part of a physical therapist’s education. It is a specialty area requiring much further study, training, and practice following graduation.

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At Activcore, you will be matched with a physical therapist who specializes in treating strength and fitness athletes. Unlike the "typical" PT who probably doesn't even lift or workout, you will have a specialist who knows exactly what you are going through.

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Activcore physical therapists assess how you move as it relates to your sport. They apply a holistic approach to identify not only the site of injury, but the true source of any pain, weakness and dysfunction. Addressing the underlying cause is absolutely essential for healing an injury, preventing recurrence, and keeping you healthy and at a peak level of performance. The progression of your physical therapy treatments should be a reflection of the type of activity you are trying to get back to doing.

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You will feel the Activcore difference from your first visit. This is a highly personalized experience delivered by a passionate movement expert fully dedicated to getting you back to the sport or training activity that you love. Once your pain has been addressed, you will have the opportunity to continue honing your movement through ongoing performance training at Activcore.

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Learn about our 3-step recovery process for optimal movement health.