Why Every CrossFit Athlete in Columbus Needs a Physical Therapist

Every week, I watch committed CrossFit athletes walk into the gym with goals — goals to move better, lift heavier, and push themselves harder than they did the day before. The energy in the room is contagious. But so are the injuries.

Somewhere between the third set of cleans and the end of a chipper, form breaks down. A shoulder flares up. That nagging knee ache from months ago makes another appearance. It’s all too familiar — and it’s rarely because of “bad movement.” Most of the time, it comes down to stress, volume, and an already-vulnerable area that’s quietly reaching its limit.

As a physical therapist in Columbus, I work primarily with CrossFit athletes. Some are trying to qualify for Semifinals. Others just want to train pain-free and stay active for life. What they all have in common is this: they don’t want to slow down. And I don’t blame them.

That’s exactly why I believe every CrossFit athlete needs a PT in their corner — not just when things go wrong, but before they do.

We tend to think of physical therapy as reactive — something you do after an injury. But if you're training five to six days a week with heavy weights, high reps, and intensity, you're already in the red zone. Your shoulders, knees, hips, and low back are managing load at a level most people never touch. Eventually, something gives.

That doesn’t mean you need to train less. It means you need to train smarter. That’s where the right PT makes a difference.

In my clinic, we don’t just treat injuries. We run movement assessments to identify risk factors before they become problems. We build custom warm-ups and cooldowns for athletes who want to move better in the gym. We integrate accessory work that actually supports performance — not just rehab for the sake of rehab.

The athletes I work with don’t stop training. They just train with more intention. They know how to listen to their bodies, adjust for volume, and keep progressing without crossing the line.

Here’s the truth: CrossFit doesn’t cause injuries. Unaddressed weakness, poor movement awareness, and lack of recovery do.

That’s the gap we fill. Whether you’re struggling with overhead mobility, recovering from a shoulder strain, or simply want to move and feel better every week — there’s a smarter way to approach it than waiting for something to break.

You don’t have to choose between pushing your limits and staying healthy. You can do both. You just need a system — and a coach or clinician who gets it.

If you’re a CrossFit athlete in Columbus, Ohio and you’ve been dealing with pain, limited range of motion, or a nagging issue that just won’t go away, consider this your sign. Physical therapy doesn’t have to be reactive. It can be proactive, personalized, and performance-driven.

The next step? Come in for a movement screen. You’ll leave knowing exactly where your weaknesses are, what’s holding you back, and how to fix it — without missing time in the gym.

Let’s keep you training, performing, and moving well for the long haul.