What is the most effective treatment for various soft tissue injuries associated with rock climbing?
If caught during the early phases, most overuse injuries respond well to treatment and you can return to climbing pain-free much sooner than if the injury is ignored. Severe cases of tendonitis, trigger finger, or acute injuries such as a dislocation or ruptured tendon may require steroid injection of surgery. The most important thing to do when you suspect an injury is to STOP CLIMBING! (duh!) Testing injured parts or attempting to “climb through it” will only make things worse and shorten your climbing career. Climbing coach and author Eric Horst provides the following guidelines for treating soft tissue injuries: PHASES OF REHABILITATION 1. RICE 3 days – 2 Weeks Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen will speed recovery by reducing swelling. 2. Range of Motion Exercises 3 days -6 Weeks Working the joint through its range of motion will keep recovering tissues limber and gradually strengthen muscles and tendons. 3. Progressive Resistan
