Understanding The Shoulder Pain Epidemic in CrossFit Athletes (Part 4: Programming and Periodization)

By djpope

August 27, 2017

biceps tendon, bursitis, Crossfit, impingement, injuries, injury, load, pain, periodization, physical therapy, Programming, Rehabilitation, rotator cuff, Shoulder, tear, tendinopathy, tendonitis

So in the last article in our series we spoke on the importance of total volume with particular focus on spikes in training in avoiding injury.  Hopefully this already sparked some ideas on how to start modifying your training program to decrease risk of injury.

From a rehabilitation stand point we know that one of the greatest risk factors for getting injured is having a previous injury.  Therefore from a rehabilitation perspective these rules are very important.  As we rehabilitate from an injury we want to make sure we progress at a slow rate, build a high level of fitness and avoid spikes in training that could derail our rehabilitation.

That being said there are a bunch of other important considerations from a programming perspective that I think need to be implemented not only for performance but injury prevention.  Check out the video below for a quick glimpse into the thought process for programming from a prevention standpoint.

For a more in depth article series on how to structure an off-season program to help prevent injury:

9 Critical Principles for a Successful and Injury Free Off-season

In case you haven’t realized it, I’ve been on a shoulder kick lately.  This is because Dr. Dave Tilley from shiftmovementscience.com and myself have made a big new shoulder product to help physical therapists, coaches and athletes get out of shoulder pain, back to level high levels of performance and to stay pain free for the long run.  

Click HERE to Learn More about Peak Shoulder Performance

Next article the goal is to talk some modifications for training when people have shoulder pain.  Stay tuned.

Talk soon,

Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS