It's a dirty secret.
Unfortunately, Rhabdomyolysis is not discussed in many personal trainer certification textbooks or professional development circles. It's a bit of a dark cloud over the good work trainers do and therefore is held-back from most certifications.
It has been reported that in Crossfit circles, 'getting Uncle Rhabdo' is something many clients aspire to - it's a sign of 'pushing past the limit'.
However this behaviour should be shut-down immediately, it is putting trainers and clients at risk and may be a breach of client-trainer liability.
It has been reported that in Crossfit circles, 'getting Uncle Rhabdo' is something many clients aspire to - it's a sign of 'pushing past the limit'.
However this behaviour should be shut-down immediately, it is putting trainers and clients at risk and may be a breach of client-trainer liability.
Take responsibility and get educated
Joe Cannon, a personal trainer, blogger, author and health educator states:
"I think personal trainers cause rhabdomyolysis in their clients for several reasons including:
1. never having been educated about it
2. thinking that more sets /greater intensity is best for everybody
3. being shy about stopping a training session when the client has had enough
4. failure to recognize the benefits of circuit training
Source: http://www.joe-cannon.com/
Know the warning signs and listen to your clients
It's not always obvious when your client is heading towards a case of Rhabdomyolysis. Some patients will have no symptoms at all. Others may experience muscle aches and pains stiffness or muscle weakness. This is common in milder cases and can often be confused with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
More severe cases may present with;
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More severe cases may present with;
- Abnormal urine color (dark, red, or cola colored)
- Muscle stiffness or aching
- Painful, swollen, bruised, or tender areas of the body
- Weakness of the affected muscles
- Confusion, dehydration, fever
- Nausea or vomiting
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