From Rugby to CrossFit: How Osteopathy Supported My Training

After playing rugby for more than 30 years, it’s fair to say my body has taken its share of punishment.

The physical nature of the sport inevitably left me with a collection of old sports injuries, recurring aches and the general wear and tear that comes with spending decades on the rugby pitch. I had become used to managing these issues, but when I stepped away from rugby and took up CrossFit two and a half years ago, my body faced a completely different challenge.

From the rugby pitch to CrossFit

CrossFit requires a very different combination of strength, mobility, control and conditioning compared with rugby.

As my body adapted to this new style of training, weaknesses and limitations that had been hidden - or that I had simply learnt to work around - started to become more apparent.

Alongside the excitement of learning a new sport came a new collection of niggles and injuries. I quickly realised that if I wanted to keep training, progressing and challenging myself, I needed to manage these properly.

That’s where the Falmouth Osteopathic Clinic team have been absolutely brilliant.

Support as a Sponsored Athlete

As a Sponsored Athlete, I couldn’t have asked for better support.

From day one, the Falmouth Osteopathic Clinic team took the time to understand my sporting background, previous injuries and what I wanted to achieve. Through Osteopathy and ongoing advice, the focus wasn’t simply on an individual injury or painful area, but on the bigger picture and what my body needed to cope with the demands of CrossFit.

This gave me a much more personalised approach to managing my injuries, maintaining my training and continuing to perform at my best.

Managing an old shoulder injury

One of my biggest challenges has been dealing with the long-term effects of a previous shoulder injury and reconstruction.

Although the surgery itself was successful, maintaining good mobility and function in the shoulder has remained an ongoing process.

CrossFit places significant demands on shoulder mobility, strength and stability, particularly during overhead movements, Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics-based exercises. Restrictions that I could previously work around became much more noticeable as my training progressed.

The Falmouth Osteopathic Clinic team have worked with me to address these restrictions while building the strength and confidence I need to move well.

The difference this has made has been huge - not only to my CrossFit training, but to everyday life too.

More than sports injury treatment

What has impressed me most is that the support hasn’t simply been about treating injuries once they happen.

The team at Falmouth Osteopathic Clinic have helped me to understand my body better, recognise potential problems early and make sensible decisions about my training. The Osteopathic support and advice I’ve received has always been practical and focused on helping me continue doing the sport I enjoy.

Throughout my training, I’ve had complete confidence that I’m being looked after by people who genuinely care about both my health and my performance.

The team is approachable, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. They’ve played a huge part in allowing me to continue pushing myself in a demanding sport while managing the effects of more than 30 years of rugby.

Looking back on the Sponsored Athlete Programme

Looking back, I can honestly say that the support I’ve received from Falmouth Osteopathic Clinic has been invaluable.

Their expertise, dedication and genuine investment in the athletes they work with have made a real difference to my training.

Moving from more than three decades of rugby into CrossFit was always going to challenge my body in new ways. Having the right support around me has helped me manage those challenges, keep progressing and, most importantly, continue doing something I love.