Introduction In preparation for your anticipated climbing trip to Red Rocks, you double the volume and increase the intensity of your training regimen. During your second week of your new regimen, you notice that your fingers are unusually sore. Thinking of this as a good sign of getting stronger, you go to bed motivated [...]
Introduction We're here today to talk about your lower leg. My lower leg? In a climbing blog? Yes, those beautiful bulging rocks you call calves! Well, to be more specific, your Achilles tendon. Everyone "raves" about their shoulder injuries, but it's time to pay some attention to your Achilles. [...]
Conditions are perfect as you approach your early season boulder project. There is a small wet streak covering a foothold near the top of the boulder on a crucial, yet large foothold. The foothold is not near the crux, so you decide to attempt the send anyways. You pull hard through the crux of [...]
Introduction You take a deep breath. You try to calm the turmoil of frustration as you reach for the next hold. This particular one always likes to give you trouble. You feel an ache and general weakness in your shoulder blade but you ignore it. It’s been a jam-packed couple days of climbing with [...]
Fall From Grace You’re up in the mountains, climbing mixed alpine routes and having a day. The kind of day that feels like nothing could go wrong. You are climbing with a new climbing partner, who mostly is a gym rat, yet strong and you’ve been able to share some knowledge of outdoor climbing. [...]
Rock Climbing Injury: Self-assessment and rehabilitation program for a hamstring strain Introduction As you’re sending the first climb of the day or continuing to battle with that tricky bouldering problem, you inevitably find yourself at the crux of the climb. As you begin to assess your options you notice a crimp just out [...]
“Keep your arms straight and stay low!” This classic line is heard the world over for beginning climbers. Even if preventing the T-Rex arm is a quality way to fight off pump, this doesn’t tell the whole story of how we should be moving on the wall. In fact, the way that a lot [...]
Do you have pain in the front of your hip or groin? Is sitting cross-legged or in low chairs uncomfortable? Is your hip pain worse following a climbing session? Have you noticed high-stepping or cross-over moves cause you pain? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have Femoroacetabular Impingement [...]
Avoid the Rock Climbing Hunchback Introduction It is difficult to avoid the dreaded climbers hunch back. Years of climbing takes its toll on the body. You get lazy while belaying and round your shoulders. You sit slumped while watching your friends boulder. You slouch in your chair while working at your desk. The [...]