What is CrossFit?

CrossFit was founded by Lauren Jenai and Greg Glassman as a branded fitness regimen, now trademarked as CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a lifestyle characterized by safe, effective exercise and sound nutritional habits. CrossFit exercise focuses on individuals performing functional movements at high levels of intensity. Some CrossFit movements include weightlifting, running, gymnastics, rowing and more. CrossFit can be done by people just starting to work out, or athletes that have trained for years. However, as with any sports regimen, shoulder injuries can occur in CrossFit participants. SLAP tears or tears of the shoulder labrum can be common. Dr. James Mazzara treats patients from Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities who have sustained a SLAP tear or SLAP lesion. He understands the need for these athletes to return to their pre-injury levels as quickly as possible.

Which CrossFit exercises could cause a shoulder injury?

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body and is designed primarily, to be a non-weight bearing joint. When increased pressure or force is placed on the shoulder joint, especially during overhead movements, an injury can occur. Fatigue, improper technique or over-training can cause a shoulder injury and sideline a CrossFit athlete. Exercises that use the shoulder and could cause injury may include:

  • Overhead Squats
  • Thrusters
  • Push Press
  • Push Jerks
  • Snatches
  • Pushups
  • Handstand Walks

What is a SLAP tear or SLAP Lesion?

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint where the ball of the humerus (long bone in the arm) fits securely withing the socket of the shoulder called the glenoid. The glenoid has a rim of strong fibrocartilage called the labrum which helps deepen the glenoid and holds the ball within the socket. If this fibrocartilage, or labrum is torn, frayed or damaged a SLAP tear can occur. SLAP is the acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior which signifies the location and type of tear in the labrum.

What causes a SLAP tear in CrossFit Athletes?

SLAP tears in the shoulder labrum are most often caused in CrossFit athletes by acute trauma or by repetitive overhead movements. Rapid, forceful movements especially overhead is a common cause of shoulder labrum tears. CrossFit athletes are more likely to suffer a SLAP tear while performing overhead exercises such as push jerk or snatch. This forces pressure on the labrum which can cause an injury. These same movements overtime can also cause the labrum to fray or tear.

What are the symptoms of a SLAP Tear?

CrossFit athletes who experience a SLAP tear or lesion typically report the following symptoms:

  • Pain when reaching overhead
  • Decrease in shoulder strength
  • Decrease in range of motion
  • Locking, catching or popping sensation in the shoulder joint
  • Feeling of instability in the shoulder joint

What is the treatment for a shoulder injury or SLAP tear?

CrossFit athletes are interested in getting back to their regular exercise routine without pain. Dr. Mazzara understands this and can help athletes return to the sport they love quickly. When a shoulder injury occurs that may be due to a SLAP tear, Dr. Mazzara first suggests conservative treatment. This may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy or discontinuing the exercise that caused shoulder pain.

In many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective for shoulder pain. However, if conservative treatment fails to alleviate pain, arthroscopic surgical repair may be recommended. You can read about shoulder labrum and SLAP tears HERE.

Have you experienced a SLAP tear while participating in CrossFit? Do you need advice on how to recover quickly and to return to the exercise that you love? Please contact the office of James Mazzara, MD, orthopedic shoulder, elbow and knee specialist, serving Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities.

LIVE YOUR LIFE IN FULL MOTION