I am currently in the middle of my second doctor-ordered hiatus in the past twelve months. Last spring I was determined to have a dorsal wrist impingement.
If you're like me, you're probably thinking that sounds like something a dolphin would get. A dorsal wrist impingement is a chronic injury resulting from repetitive combination of hyperextension and axial loading. It is the most common injury among gymnasts. The commonness doesn't provide me with much consolation, as nearly everyday I notice the little ways it affects me.
As a Crossfitter, this is especially disheartening because of the many ways we use our bodies in this manner: push ups, burpees, front squats, overhead squats, wall climbs, cleans, wall balls and handstands. The list really could go on and on. Even low-impact athletics like yoga can be tricky. The things that are supposed to help us feel our strongest, at times only shine a spotlight on my weakness.
I started using braces, Shock Doctors with rigid internal stays, for movements that were particularly bothersome. I have progressed to using them for almost everything. I can often be heard unlatching six noisy Velcro straps during final savasana (can you think of a more soothing sound as you reflect on your practice?). I'm told that it is of great importance to mitigate any repeated inflammation as my family's history of arthritis, particularly the auto-immune Rheumatoid Arthritis variety, puts me at increased risk of accelerated joint degradation.
So is there a silver lining here? Well we all have limitations. Just because I can't do everything doesn't mean I can't do anything. I'm using this rest period for both physical and mental re-booting. I plan to return to CFCB with a renewed focus and determination to be the best athlete that I can be.
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