Embark on a journey to the peaks of rock climbing wisdom with Jared Vagy DPT, the Climbing Doctor, as we tackle the paramount topic of injury prevention and management. Jared unfolds his narrative, from an injury-laden student to a trailblazer in climbing medicine, shedding light on the growth of this specialized area and the collective efforts across the climbing community to uphold climber health. Jared is a Professor in the DPT program at University of Southern California. He has also lectured worldwide about various topics, and he now specializes in treatment of rock climbers. Jared is author the author of multiple books in climbing medicine such as Climb Injury Free. He is also the host of an awesome podcast: The Climbing Doctor Podcast.

As we ascend further, our conversation grips onto the often-overlooked intricacies of finger and hand injuries. Pull up a chair as we recount tales from a course in the rugged terrain of Colorado, where we witnessed firsthand the critical impact of finger placement on training outcomes. Discover with us the potent effects of meticulous hangboard training techniques, and grasp the importance of climber-specific regimens that prioritize individual nuances in finger health. It’s a gripping discussion filled with insights on how each climber can tailor their approach to fortify against the perils of injury.

The final ledge of our discourse offers a panoramic view of actionable strategies to shield climbers from harm’s way. I emphasize the core tenets of training and movement optimization, illuminating the necessity for understanding body dynamics to boost performance and avert injuries. From the pages of “Climb Injury Free” to the digital expanse of The Climbing Doctor’s online resources, we share a treasure trove of knowledge for climbers and healthcare providers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a burgeoning novice, these expert tips are your gear for a safer and smarter climb.

About the podcast:

Dr. Nicholas Hedges is a board certified Chiropractor who has traveled the world learning from masters in the space of sports injury and treatment. However, the best way in which we can treat injuries, is do the best we can to prevent them from happening in the first place. Thus the art of prevention was born. Having dealt with many musculoskeletal injuries personally and professionally, our goal and mission is to decrease the prevalence of preventable injuries to the human body. We are accomplishing this mission by interviewing and learning from experts in the field of injury prevention and performance. We will glean insights from athletes, coaches and clinicians alike to bring top level information regarding injury prevention and athletic performance to everyone.

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