According to the Climbing Business Journal, rock climbing in the United States has taken quite a surge in popularity. In the year 2021, the growth rate of U.S. climbing gyms grew by 8.24%, which equates to about 53 new facilities opening and dedicated to rock climbing. With the increased popularity of rock climbing comes the increased knowledge of climbing specific injuries and how to treat and prevent those injuries from reoccurring.
Rock Climbing involves a tremendous amount of strength through the entire body. Most people look at rock climbing and their immediate thoughts go to the extensive level of upper body involvement. Rock climbers have to spend a great deal of time developing the upper body strength necessary for them to simply get off of the ground. In addition to forearm strength, it is vital for all climbers to slowly develop their grip and hand strength. With grip strength we come across two of the most common rock climbing injuries, Trigger Finger Syndrome and Finger Pulley Tear.
Finger Tendon Injuries
These Injuries occur when there is a form of injury to the tendon in the finger. Finger Pulley Tears are injuries to the bands of tissue that hold the flexor tendons in place and prevent the tendon from ”bow-stringing.” When these injuries occur the climber has placed too much body weight through the fingers. Treatment for this injury is simple; ice, taking an anti-inflammatory and allowing the area to REST. After a few weeks of rest, it’s vital to take your time working back into climbing and utilizing bigger grip points.
With Trigger Finger Syndrome it can be difficult to straighten one or more fingers in the hand and can make it quite difficult to complete daily activities. Some common symptoms of trigger finger are:
- swelling/inflammation
- lack of mobility
- deformity
- weakness in the affected area
When dealing with Trigger Finger Syndrome it is important to see a physician to determine the level of severity, which determines the necessary actions for treatment. When the injury is mild, the treatment course is more conservative, likely involving anti-inflammatories and/or steroid injections to decrease the inflammation. When the injury is more severe, surgery may be recommended to relieve the tension.
Shoulder Subluxation & Rotator Cuff Tears
These are two other common injuries in the rock climbing world and occur when the shoulder is generally extended and/or making an outstretched movement. These injuries can develop over time or occur in a quick and painful burst of action. With these two types of injury it is vital to see a medical profession to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of any tendon in the body that is irritated due to overuse. For rock climbing, it can refer to any tendon located in the fingers, hand, wrist or elbow. The most common sign of tendonitis is a dull, achy pain that is sometimes accompanied with swelling at the location of pain.
With all of these injuries it is essential to take the time off to see a medical professional to determine the severity and appropriate course of action for treatment. Here at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center each patient completes a new patient evaluation with our Doctors of Physical Therapy. In the evaluation, patients can expect to learn about their condition, be given an individualized treatment plan, a home exercise program and confidence in a new sports rehabilitation clinic! Our goal is to help you live life pain free and return to your activity as soon and as safely as possible with a prevention plan that keeps you doing what you love.
