Rotator Cuff & Biceps Injuries in CrossFit Athletes

 CrossFit is a form of high intensity interval training that involves functional movements such as weightlifting, running, gymnastics, as well as other movements that are performed in daily life.  Shoulder injuries may occur during training, especially for older athletes.  Dr. James Mazzara understands how important it is for CrossFit athletes in Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities to safely and quickly get back to their workouts after sustaining shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears and bicep strains or tears.

What are the general causes of shoulder injuries in CrossFit?

CrossFit workouts can place a strong force on the shoulder joint. Activities that are frequent causes of injury are:

  • Pulling motions such as pull ups
  • Overhead pressing positions
  • Handstands
  • Pushing motions
  • Kettlebell swings
  • Thrusters

When exercises such as these are performed with weights that or too heavy and/or incorrect form, the shoulder joint may be placed under excessive stress.  This stress can result in a shoulder injury, often requiring the athlete to take time off from their normal training routine.

What causes a rotator cuff injury in CrossFit athletes?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that hold the head of the humerus in the socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can be seen in both young and older patients, but is most often seen in those who perform repetitive overhead movements.  Leading causes of rotator cuff injury in CrossFit athletes are:

  • Overuse – Rotator cuff injuries can often be caused from overuse, especially when the same motion is repeated above shoulder level.
  • Age/Degeneration – Tendons and muscles naturally lose their strength and flexibility as we age, due to the body’s reduced healing response. As we age, it becomes easier to tear or damage the muscles and tendons in the shoulder. Pain from this type of damage can accumulate over time, gradually worsening the longer it goes untreated.
  • Acute Injury – Like falls and car accidents, sports activities can cause a sudden rotator cuff tear. Pain from this type of tear is usually immediate and patients can experience a loss of use, loss of range of motion and less function in the shoulder

What causes a biceps tear in CrossFit athletes?

The biceps are two muscles that attach at the top of the shoulder. Biceps injuries can occur at the shoulder or the elbow.  Since the biceps are used countless times each day, they are relied on for a large number of activities.  Athletes who use extremely heavy weights while overhead weight lifting are more at risk for biceps tears.

Shoulder Injury Treatment Options

For both biceps and rotator cuff injuries, Dr. Mazzara encourages the patient to stop the exercises that are causing pain until a physical examination is performed and treatment plan has been developed.

A non-surgical treatment will be often be all that is needed, but it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mazzara as soon as you are able to do so. Treatment for certain injuries, such as a biceps tear that occurs at the elbow, is often more successful when performed within two to three days of the injury.  Waiting longer can increase the risk of the tendon and muscle scarring and shortening, making a full recovery more difficult.

Dr. Mazzara understands that CrossFit athletes don’t like taking time off.  If you have sustained a CrossFit shoulder injury, he will work with you to develop a treatment program that will help get you back in the gym as soon as possible.

For additional information about rotator cuff tears or biceps tendon injuries in CrossFit athletes, or to find out how to get back to the activities you love without shoulder pain, please visit the office of Dr. James Mazzara serving Manchester, South Windsor, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities.