Forearm stretches are one of the most commonly used self-treatment techniques among rock climbers. It would be difficult to be at the climbing gym for more than one hour and not see someone stretching their wrist and forearms. But how effective is this technique for helping people with wrist pain? Research has shown time and...
One of the most frequently asked questions we get as pelvic floor specialists from our female patients is “is it normal that I have pain with sex?” While it is common, it is not and does not have to be accepted as “normal.” According to statistics from the American College of Gynecology (ACOG), 75% of...
The rotator cuff is an essential group of muscles that stabilize the shoulder during climbing movements. These muscles are commonly injured by rock climbing and weakness of the rotator cuff can lead to multiple shoulder pathologies such as impingement (subacromial pain syndrome), biceps tendinopathy, and glenohumeral joint sensitivity. The muscles that we treat most commonly...
“Chicken-winging” is a movement that every climber experiences. It is defined as a pattern of movement where the elbows raise to the sides instead of being tucked down closer to the chest. This compensation shows up when we’re fatigued and climbing near our limit. We all get told to avoid this position but many of...
The rotator cuff is an essential group of muscles that stabilize the shoulder during overhead movements such as the strict press, jerk, snatch, and handstand push-up. These muscles are commonly injured by CrossFit athletes and weakness of the rotator cuff can lead to multiple shoulder pathologies such as, rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement (subacromial pain syndrome),...
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among rock climbers due to the repetitive stress that climbers put on their wrists and forearm muscles. This can lead to loss of strength in the hand, difficulty feeling the holds under your fingers, and significantly impact your climbing. Carpal tunnel syndrome or the entrapment of the medial nerve at...
By Dr. Ian Nay, PT DPT OCS Getting a barbell into a proper overhead position for movements such as the snatch and overhead squat can be difficult for many athletes; I know I personally struggled with this early on in my CrossFit career. The techniques described here are some of the best and proven methods...
By: Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC and Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS Congratulations on the birth of your little one! While welcoming your baby into the world is an exciting and joyful time, your body is also navigating some significant changes after a cesarean section (C-section). One area that may require extra attention is your...
By: John Crawley, PT, DPT, OCS The sport of rock climbing continues to grow and expand in popularity and participation. With more climbers comes more injuries. For coaches, trainers, and healthcare professionals identifying the injury profile and mechanisms for injury has become an important topic. Knowing what causes injury and who gets the injuries can...
By: John Crawley, PT, DPT, OCS Elbow pain is a common reason rock climbers in Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont have to take an unwanted “forced rest” from the crag. Whether you’re projecting at The Spot, sessioning at BRC, or hitting the local Front Range sandstone, elbow issues can sideline even the strongest climbers. The most...
