Dry Needling’s Role in Climbing Injuries
If you’re similar to most climbers, you have experienced your fair share of injuries, from muscle strains and nagging shoulder aches, to the dreaded finger pulley injury. Your gym friends have likely recommended a host of interventions to enhance your recovery process from taping, static cupping, to specific strengthening and mobility programs. Maybe a friend [...]
Lower Body Strength for High Stepping and Edging
Two climbing moves that require significant amounts of lower body strength and conditioning are high stepping and edging. High stepping involves raising one foot as high as possible to gain purchase on a hold, allowing you to shift your weight and maintain balance.
Training for High Altitude Climbing
We approached the lower saddle of the Grand Teton as the sun slowly began to rise. There was a feeling of optimism due to our quick ascent of the hiking section on the Grand. We planned to climb the full Exum ridge parking lot to parking lot. With over 7,000 feet of ascent, we [...]
Falling with a dodgy knee: A guide to injury prevention and management in boulderers with existing knee problems
For many people who are new to bouldering, falling and jumping off the wall often seems very scary, especially to those who have a “dodgy knee.” We all know that one person who started climbing, but refuses to jump down or commit to risky moves because they do not want to hurt their knees. Being [...]
Hip Mobility: A Climber’s Secret Weapon
Rock climbing is a physically demanding sport that challenges the body's strength, flexibility, and mobility. Among the many essential skills climbers develop the ability to execute drop knees, stem or maintain a frogger position, and high step to the next foot hold. The ability to stay close to the wall during these movements can [...]
Physiology of “Forearm Pump” and Ways to Delay it’s Onset
When you think about finally sending that project you’ve been working on, or climbing harder/longer routes what’s the biggest thing stopping you? Some may say it’s grip strength, upper body strength, or just fear. However, everyone can agree that decreased endurance and getting that dreaded “forearm pump” is one of the reasons you have [...]