Rock Climbing can lead to many different types of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the most common injuries to the lower body include;
- Meniscal tear
- Stiffness, swelling, feeling like the knee is going to give out, catching in the knee.
- Knee ligament tear
- Swelling, instability, loss of range of motion.
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Sharp burning pain with standing and walking between two toes, tingling in foot.
- Ankle sprain
- Swelling, bruising, instability.
- Tendonitis
- Dull ache, mild swelling, tenderness.
Many of these injuries occur from abnormal pressure or stresses that are applied to the knee or ankle. Because the nature of rock climbing consists of turning the body into an unnatural position in order to climb or landing after a fall, many of these injuries are inevitable.
Important tips prior to rock climbing:
- Warm up property! – this will help bring oxygen to your muscles and prepare them for exercise!
- Stretch before and after rock climbing– this helps and aids in muscular flexibility.
- Listen to your body! – take rest days when you need them!. They are important to help your body recover!
If you think some of your symptoms are related to one of the above injuries it is important to start Physical Therapy in order to decrease pain and discomfort and increase recovery time.
Physical Therapy is important because it will…
- Increase range of motion
- Increase strength and stability
- Decrease swelling and pain
- Increase mobility and agility
