Powerlifting Injuries

[artificialaspirations]

I wanted to discuss injuries with a few of the PLs and Strongmen on EF.

Are you guys in a constant state of pain or nursing small injuries? i.e., tendonitis, strained backs, etc.

I know everyone will be inclined to say they are 100% and to use correct form but the stats show that over 90% of lifters hurt themselves at some point. So please be honest...

The reason I ask is I am coming off a shoulder surgery brought on by tendonitis.

My left hip flexor won't loosen up so I can't squat or deadlift safely without risking further injury.

I bought some straps the other day cause my grip was giving out on rack pulls. I pulled 455 which is a big PR but tweaked my spinal erectors.

My back is feeling much better and I know my hip will come around, but please discuss if you guys have rough patches as well.

Do your shoulders hurt? Knees? Wrists?

 

[b fold the truth]

I have an auto-immune disease so I FEEL better than I did. Last year it hurt to lay in bed or even wear shoes. Every joint in my body was red, hot, and swollen.

Right now I have a pain in my right shoulder. Doesn't hurt to move, I think my wife beat me the other night when I was snoring.

Right now I feel pretty good but something small will hurt near all the time. This is NORMAL for all athletes, including bodybuilders!

One thing that helps me is that I have one day a week where my training is ONLY about getting back to normal. I pick apart a couple things:
1) What hurts
2) What needs work
3) What is weak

Today I went to the gym and did 3 sets of 15-20 on lat pull downs to mid chest, band pull aparts, rotators, shoulder traction, 45 degree back extensions, hip/groin stretching, wrist/elbow/shoulder stretching, sled walking (lower and upper), etc... Took about 45 minutes.

An intelligent athlete will always be analyzing what hurts and searching for a couple of things:
1) Why it hurts
2) How to work around it
3) How to get it better so you don't have to work around it long

 

[bblazer]

I always hurt.

But there is a difference between hurt and injured.

Lets face it, PLers & strongmen do shit that hurts. A 700 lb steel bar on your shoulders should not normally bring feelings of warmth and comfort. I can't imagine atlas stones do a lot for the skin of your forearms.

When I DL or squat, it takes a good 4-5 warm up sets to "open up" my hips and warm up my left groin so that the work sets don't hurt so bad (I'm a wide stance squatter & pull sumo).

My only injury was going for a 1RM PR in a training session and my footing slipped walking the bar back. There was little the spotters could do, and I folded like a paper tiger under the bar. I cracked a couple of ribs and broke a finger. I was very lucky.

B-

 

[b fold the truth]

I always hurt.

But there is a difference between hurt and injured.

Lets face it, PLers & strongmen do shit that hurts. A 700 lb steel bar on your shoulders should not normally bring feelings of warmth and comfort. I can't imagine atlas stones do a lot for the skin of your forearms.

When I DL or squat, it takes a good 4-5 warm up sets to "open up" my hips and warm up my left groin so that the work sets don't hurt so bad (I'm a wide stance squatter & pull sumo).

My only injury was going for a 1RM PR in a training session and my footing slipped walking the bar back. There was little the spotters could do, and I folded like a paper tiger under the bar. I cracked a couple of ribs and broke a finger. I was very lucky.

B-

My arms are still scratched up from the Stones on Sunday...lol. I'm always bruised somewhere.

I tore a tendon in my foot walking out a weight and slipping just a tad. Insane!

 

[Big_BK]

As everyone else has said it is always something. You are either sick, have a sore muscle, pulled something, tore this or that, etc. You just gotta work around your injuries and try to take it easy when it gets closer to show time. I like to take the week before a show off completely and just gorge on food and get lots of rest so i can heal up somewhat and be ready to give it my all.

 

[artificialaspirations]

Thanks for the replys guys. Its good to hear its part of the game, cause this can be very discouraging.

Anyone have any recommendations about stretching out the hip flexors?

How about stretches for traps? I have a knot in my right trap (spasm) that I could do without.

I hope some of the other regulars have a chance to chime in...Dave, Southern, needto...

 

[bblazer]

For the trap and other knots, use foam rollers.

For the hips, get "in the hole" like you are squatting, and put your elbows between your knees, pals touching and push out.

B-

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

I wanted to discuss injuries with a few of the PLs and Strongmen on EF.

Are you guys in a constant state of pain or nursing small injuries? i.e., tendonitis, strained backs, etc.

I know everyone will be inclined to say they are 100% and to use correct form but the stats show that over 90% of lifters hurt themselves at some point. So please be honest...

The reason I ask is I am coming off a shoulder surgery brought on by tendonitis.

My left hip flexor won't loosen up so I can't squat or deadlift safely without risking further injury.

I bought some straps the other day cause my grip was giving out on rack pulls. I pulled 455 which is a big PR but tweaked my spinal erectors.

My back is feeling much better and I know my hip will come around, but please discuss if you guys have rough patches as well.

Do your shoulders hurt? Knees? Wrists?

FYI- when i was training for a PL meet, i practically lived on celebrex. sorry to say- you learn to live in some pain if your gonna compete...

 

[diablohavoc]

I screwed my back up around 7 years ago in High School showin off makin myself look tough. Ended up bed-ridden for about 1-1.5 weeks.

It acts up on me once and awhile, usually when I go for a PR or a heavy day, working on cars, etc...

Ever since I encorporated hyper-extensions & a decent core routine I can usually keep the pain to a minimum.

The price I pay for keeping my pride in tip-top shape!

 

[b fold the truth]

For my traps and nearly everything else I can't reach...I put a tennis ball in a sock, throw it over my shoulder and lean against a wall. It can bring tears to your eyes.

I always fly with it with me. I take the tennis ball out of the sock though, don't want customs thinking I'm bringing a weapon on the plane!