Christina Brandenburg, Genesis CrossFit Olathe, KS. This will be my second CrossFit Open. I was injured at work back in July 2017 and diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my right arm, it’s a form of chronic pain I call the devil. Last year I wasn't able to complete many of the workout's even scaled, but I competed anyway.
I still CROSSFIT, despite my limitations!!! Much to the utter amazement of my team of doctors and physical therapists (PT). So, what is CRPS?
CRPS is rare disease that occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma. The nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. The injury is often minor and the pain is disproportionate to the injury. What does CRPS look like for me?
My right arm is swollen, hot to the touch, blotchy in color, the entire arm burns, cramps, feels like it has pins and needles in it. Despite doing CrossFit I have visible muscle wasting, making my dominate right arm smaller then my left.
I have less endurance, strength, and skill now and let’s face it wasn’t that fabulous of an athlete before the injury #sequencingissues. CrossFit has become an important part of my PT and rehabilitation plan. The more I move the more I heal my nervous system. I go to the box when my pain is 7-8/10 and lift my way to a 3-4/10. It counter intuitive to how we are taught to behave in the face of injury.
My goal is to CrossFit my way to remission! To learn more about CRPS go to www.rsds.org .
