CrossFit is a high-intensity, functional fitness program that has gained popularity among athletes of all ages. It combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and high-intensity interval training to provide a full-body workout. However, the high-intensity nature of CrossFit can put a lot of stress on the body and can lead to injuries. To prevent and recover from injuries, many CrossFit athletes turn to hybrid Joliet chiropractor and athletic trainer Josh Duplessis to keep them in top condition. This hybrid approach can help to improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall performance. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of a hybrid approach utilizing chiropractic care and athletic training for CrossFit athletes and how this approach can help to prevent and recover from injuries.
First, What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a fitness program that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to provide a full-body workout. It is designed to improve overall fitness, including strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. CrossFit workouts are typically short and intense, making them efficient for those with busy schedules. The program emphasizes functional movements, which mimic everyday activities and improve overall athleticism. CrossFit workouts can be adjusted to various skill levels, making them suitable for people of all fitness backgrounds. The program also promotes a sense of community and accountability, as workouts are often done in a group setting. CrossFit is a challenging and intense form of exercise, but it can be very beneficial for those looking to improve their overall fitness and well-being.
What Makes CrossFit So Great For Aging Well?
CrossFit workouts are designed to improve overall fitness, including strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility.
CrossFit exercises use a combination of weightlifting, gymnastics, and high-intensity interval training to provide a full-body workout.
CrossFit workouts are typically short and intense, making them efficient for those with busy schedules.
CrossFit emphasizes functional movements, which mimic everyday activities and improve overall athleticism.
CrossFit workouts can be adjusted to various skill levels, making them suitable for people of all fitness backgrounds.
CrossFit promotes a sense of community and accountability, as workouts are often done in a group setting.
CrossFit has been found to improve body composition, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.
CrossFit can help to prevent injury by working on correct movement patterns and having a coach who can correct mistakes.
Joliet Chiropractor Josh Duplessis Understands The Negatives Of Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can have a number of negative effects on overall health and well-being. Some of the most common negative effects include:
Increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer
Increased risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Reduced cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength
Reduced flexibility and mobility
Increased risk of developing poor posture and back pain
CrossFit athletes may get injured due to the high-intensity and high-impact nature of the exercises involved in the program. Additionally, the use of heavy weights and fast-paced movements can put a lot of stress on the body, which can lead to injuries. Furthermore, the high volume of reps or the lack of proper form and technique can cause problems over time. Common injuries suffered by CrossFit athletes include:
Strains and sprains to the shoulders, knees, and lower back
Overuse injuries such as tendonitis
Hand and wrist injuries from high volume of gymnastics movements
Knee injuries such as ACL and MCL tears
Spinal injuries
Fractures
Head injuries
Heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses
It’s important to note that many of these injuries can be prevented by following proper form and technique, using appropriate weights, and taking rest days to allow the body to recover. Additionally, regular check-ups with a Joliet Chiropractor like Dr. Duplessis can help to identify and address any potential issues early on.
At IPM Joliet, Chiropractor Dr. Josh Offers All the Tools To Keep Athletes “In The Game”!
We believe that it is important to offer a wide array of specialties and techniques at IPM Joliet. By only hiring doctors that have a large skillset we ensure that our care plans are custom and patient specific. Below are services and techniques that CrossFit athletes typically utilize at our Joliet chiropractic and physical therapy clinic.
Chiropractic Manipulation – Utilized for improved joint motion and pain relief. Both gentle and aggressive techniques offered to cater to all types of patients.
Injury Specific Rehabilitation – Often CrossFit athletes will have areas of discomfort that change on a weekly basis. Our doctors can adapt real-time to address what is most pressing at the time.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling – Traditional needling or the newer form of myofascial needling. We do both!
Manual Therapies – Massage therapy, trigger point therapy, active release technique, pin and stretch, IASTM – Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization… we do it all!
Myofascial Decompression – Also known as cupping. This approach has been an amazing addition to our clinics. Both active cupping and passive cupping have produced amazing results for our CrossFitters.
Kenesio-Taping – Taping is no longer a new procedure. Taping is used for fine tuning how muscles and joints operate and is highly effective for all, but especially for athletes.
Electro-therapies – EMS – Electrical Muscle Stimulation, TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Micro Current and IF – Interferential are all very effective modalities and used frequently.
Regenerative Medicine – Our newest line of services. These products are designed to use the body’s ability to heal itself to regenerate cartilage damage and stimulate healing. Human Cellular Tissue Products, Protien Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections and Hyaluronic Acid Injections are currently available at our New Lenox facility with our Nurse Practitioner Kelly Drudi APN.
Dr. Josh Duplessis is an expert at evaluating and Identifying any musculoskeletal issue. He takes that knowledge and builds a customized, one-on-one plan to repair the issue and teach the athlete how to manage it moving forward.
Josh Duplessis, DC, ATC, CSCS
IPM Joliet CrossFit Affiliations
The doctors and staff at IPM Joliet have partnered with most of the local CrossFit gyms to make sure their athletes have access to world class care. These gyms are ahead of the game when it comes to keeping their members happy, healthy and physically fit.
CrossFit Mettle and Honor – Joliet’s premier CrossFit gym has been a close affiliate for many years. Co-Owner Chris Scrementi is a big believer in proactive injury management through IPM Joliet.
CrossFit Locked and Loaded – One of the newest local CrossFit gyms. Dr. Josh Duplessis and Dr. Jon Polcyn (IPM Naperville) have help many of their high level athletes stay healthy.
CrossFit Plainfield – IPM Joliet and gym owner Scott Romjin have a long history making sure that member safety and health is a top priority. IPM Joliet has helped dozens of their member over the years.
“I had stem cell treatment in both of my knees about 6 months ago at Integrated Physical Medicine. Prior to that I didn’t know if I would be able to squat much more than 135 again. Been training smart and slowly rebuilding. Tonight got 5×3 @ 275. Not much to some people but a quantum leap from where I was just a few months back. Contact IPMs New Lenox office if you’d like information on if stem cell treatment is right for you.” ~ Chris Scrementi
How Do You Set Up an Evaluation with Joliet Chiropractor Dr. Josh Duplessis?
There are multiple avenues to start being proactive with your physical wellbeing:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a cutting-edge treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain and injuries. This treatment uses the patient’s own blood. Our blood is rich in growth factors and healing properties which stimulate the body’s natural healing process. PRP injection therapy is used historically in the fields of orthopedics, sports medicine, and cosmetic surgery. It is now gaining popularity as a non-surgical option for pain management. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at PRP injections, including how they work, the conditions they can treat, and the benefits of this innovative treatment. We will also explore the latest research on PRP and answer some frequently asked questions about this procedure. If you’re looking for a non-surgical alternative to manage chronic pain and injuries, then PRP injections may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
What is The Science Behind PRP?
The science behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections is based on the idea that the body’s own healing mechanisms can be harnessed to promote tissue repair and regeneration. PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets, which are blood cells that are rich in growth factors and other proteins that play a key role in the healing process. PRP is one type of “Regenerative Medicine”. The procedure begins by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, typically about 10-20 milliliters. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. The concentrated platelets are then harvested and re-injected into the patient’s body, usually at the site of the injury or pain. The theory is that the growth factors and other proteins in the platelets help to stimulate the healing process by attracting stem cells and other regenerative cells to the area of injury. These cells then work to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue, resulting in improved function and reduced pain. PRP injections have been used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, and chronic neck and back pain. The studies on the effectiveness of PRP injections are still limited and more research is needed to establish the long-term benefit of PRP treatment.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field of medicine that aims to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues, and organs to restore normal function. It involves the use of various technologies and therapies, including stem cells, growth factors, and tissue engineering, to promote the body’s natural healing processes. Stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various types of specialized cells, are a key component of regenerative medicine. These cells have the ability to divide and differentiate into various types of cells, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, or bone cells, which can be used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. Growth factors, which are naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cell growth and division, are also used in regenerative medicine. These molecules can be extracted from the patient’s own blood or tissue and used to stimulate the healing process. Tissue engineering is another aspect of regenerative medicine that involves the use of artificial materials, such as scaffolds, to create new tissue. This technology can be used to create replacement tissue for injured or diseased organs, such as the heart or lungs. Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary field that draws on the expertise of various medical specialties, including cell biology, genetics, bioengineering, and material science. The goal of regenerative medicine is to provide new therapeutic options for patients with chronic diseases and injuries, and to improve the quality of life for those suffering from debilitating conditions. It’s important to note that many of the studies and research on regenerative medicine are still ongoing, and there is still much to be learned about the field and the potential benefits and risks of these treatments.
What Conditions are Treated with PRP Injection Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis: A systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that PRP injections were more effective than placebo for reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Tendinopathies: A systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that PRP injection therapy were more effective than placebo for reducing pain and improving function in patients with tendinopathies of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and Achilles tendon.
Ligament injuries: A review published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP injections can be an effective treatment option for acute and chronic ligament injuries.
Plantar fasciitis: A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery found that a single injection of PRP injection therapy was more effective than corticosteroid injection in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Chronic neck and back pain: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that a series of PRP injections were more effective than a single injection in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic neck and back pain.
PRP Injection Side Effects?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections are generally considered safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of PRP injections include:
Pain and swelling at the injection site
Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
Infection
Nerve damage
Allergic reactions to the materials used in the injection
Most of the side effects are temporary and resolves within a few days. However, serious side effects are rare, it’s important to report any unusual symptoms or complications to your healthcare provider immediately.
PRP Injection Therapy and Athletes
Many athletes have reported positive outcomes following PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections. PRP injections have been used to help athletes recover from a wide range of injuries, including sprains, strains, tendinitis, and other types of soft-tissue injuries. One example is Tiger Woods, who had PRP injections in his left knee in 2008 and 2009 which helped him to get back to playing golf. Kobe Bryant, former professional basketball player, also had PRP injections to help him recover from knee and foot injuries. PRP injections have also been used to treat injuries to tendons and ligaments, such as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, and hamstring strains. Many athletes have reported that PRP injections have helped them to recover more quickly from these types of injuries and to get back to their sport or activity. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of PRP treatment might vary depending on the individual case, and the use of PRP in sports medicine is still a matter of debate. Studies on the use of PRP in sports medicine are limited and more research is needed to establish the long-term benefit of PRP treatment for athletes. It’s also important to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of PRP treatment before deciding to proceed with the treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a cutting-edge treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain and injuries. This non-surgical procedure uses the patient’s own blood. This blood is rich in growth factors and healing properties, to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. PRP has been used for many years in the fields of orthopedics, sports medicine, and cosmetic surgery. PRP Injections show effectiveness when treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, and chronic neck and back pain. It is well know that more research is needed to establish the long-term benefit of PRP treatment. However, the currently available studies indicate PRP injections can be an effective non-surgical alternative for pain management. The procedure is generally considered safe, with most side effects being temporary and resolving within a few days. If you’re struggling with chronic pain and are looking for a non-surgical alternative, PRP injections may be your Solution . It’s important to consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits of PRP treatment. Your doctor can determine if it’s the right option for you. Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Consider PRP injection therapy as a means to get you back to doing what you love. To talk to a physician today follow this LINK and don’t hesitate to call!
References
“Platelet-Rich Plasma: from Basic Science to Clinical Applications” by F.M. Ponzoni, M.R. De Girolamo, S. Martino in International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2015
“Platelet-Rich Plasma: Progress and Controversies” by J.M. Anitua, A. Andia in Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2017
“The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Sports Medicine” by A.F. Chahla, R.J. LaPrade in American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2018
“Platelet-Rich Plasma in Orthopaedics: Current Concepts and Future Directions” by A.F. Chahla, R.J. LaPrade in Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2018
“Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Injuries” by R.J. Murrell, M.D. Pizzari in Journal of Hand Surgery, 2015
About the Author: Dr. Jonathan M. Polcyn DC
Co-Owner and practicing physician at Integrated Physical Medicine. IPM is a multidisciplinary physical healthcare organization with multiple offices In Illinois (New Lenox, Naperville, Joliet, Roselle). Specializing in Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Regenerative Medicine, Sports Performance and Athletic Training. www.ipmhealthcare.com
