Improved Performance After Gluteus Complex Activation in a CrossFit Athlete Presenting With Knee Pain

To describe the case management of a female CrossFit athlete presenting for a functional movement assessment. She had knee pain after 2 months of training for a competition.

After her assessment, it was determined that the patient had difficulty using her gluteus maximus musculature in various positions including standing, lying, and quadruped positions despite being a competitive athlete. It was determined via biomechanical testing that the patient's posterior chain firing pattern was predominantly erector spinae vs gluteus complex and hamstrings muscles.

Continuation of reactive neuromuscular training gluteus medius/activation exercise was prescribed to establish motor control, endurance, and preactivation while decreasing erector spinae overload for this patient.

This patient was someone with exceptional strength but poor motor control. Regressing back to the most basic activation exercises, we were able to simulate the proper activation and motor control to decrease pain and improve performance. The athlete's function seemed to improve after a course of care that included basic exercises.