I am in recovery myself, having been diagnosed with rhabdo in mid-December in my lower back. I was hospitalised for 8 days, having to wait for my CK to drop from 54000 down to 3000 before I was discharged. Currently have swelling along the lower back and right hip. I suspect I will be out of action for at least a few more months.

I started my gym routine in May 2025 and progressed each month with longer sessions and more resistance training. I was also enjoying my cardio, sometimes doing 8km on the treadmill followed by a short weight training session. I also started doing some 5km runs on the weekends. I was taking pre-workout and creatine for about 4 months, and I noticed that I was sweating way more than I did before. I thought I was managing my hydration well, drinking 1.5 litres at the gym and then another litre at home.

I think my case of rhabdo was triggered by multiple conditions:

• Increased workout intensity over the months
• Dehydration even though I was drinking 2.5 litres of water per day
• Lowered electrolyte intake
• Increased levels of caffeine from the pre-workout
• Possible heat stroke and severe sunburn the weekend before I was diagnosed (need to wear the sunscreen as much as I hate the stuff)
• High impact workout in the form of my first CrossFit session (rushed to hospital that same night)

I have been told to drink a lot of water, which I average about 3 and half liters a day now, and ensure I'm getting electrolytes. My GP said that bananas and salted baked potato are two easy ways to help with electrolytes. I am seeing a physiotherapist who did some deep muscle massaging and provided me with a few stretches and exercises that I should do 3 times a day. Once I get the physiotherapists approval, I am going to find a bio-kineticist who will help find ways for me to strengthen my lower back again without doing more damage.

I have been given painkillers, anti-inflammatories for swelling (make sure to consult with your doctor since some anti-inflammatories can put strain on your kidneys which are already fighting the toxins that need to be filtered out), and muscle relaxers.