Rock Climbing Clinic

Sheffield and Derbyshire are prime areas for outdoor climbing; some would call it a mecca. It is a hugely popular pastime for many locals, and the nearby crags are often busy with climbers of all abilities.

Mountaineering injuries can occur in people of all ages and experience, from those who enjoy the occasional gentle stroll, to the extreme climber. Unfortunately we are all at some level of risk. If pitting yourself in the depths of nature is for your thing, there is nothing like being outdoors tackling all that the elements have to throw at you. Hikers, walkers and backpackers are at risk of experiencing ankle, knee and hip problems, due to the constant pounding these joints suffer. Steep rough descents can be particularly irritable, and this is where the use of trekking poles can be helpful.

Common arm injuries from rock climbing are most often finger and shoulder injuries, with finger pulley injuries being a specific problem for climbers.

Climbing finger injuries are a frequent occurrence and often involve the A2 pulley, which is a group of fibres that form a tunnel for the tendons to travel through. The pulley functions to keep the tendons close to the bone, and stop them bowstringing away. The A2 pulley is located in the mid section of each finger, and is the one that is most prone to injury in climbers because it takes a lot of force through it.

The injury can occur either as an acute incident, such as a slip while crimping, or a build up of repetitive activity over time. In acute cases the climber may feel immediate pain and experience localised swelling in the region. In cases of a gradual build up, the pain may build from a slight feeling of discomfort and progress to be more painful over time.

Symptoms in this type of injury include pain and swelling at the base of the finger, and bowstringing, as the tendon fails to be held against the bone. If bowstringing occurs a full rupture may have occurred. The strength of the finger is normally unaffected, unless there has been a rupture of the tendons.

Treatment of a finger pulley depends largely on the severity of the injury. A surgical repair is often advised following a complete pulley rupture. You may need a scan to determine whether this has occurred or not. More mild sprains will normally heal with conservative management.

Physiotherapy treatment will normally include RICE in the initial stages (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), eccentric strengthening exercises, activity advice and taping. 

Here to help

If you require help in the treatment and diagnosis of any climbing or hiking injury we recommend you book in a consultation with one of the Physiotherapist's at the White House Clinic here in Sheffield. We also have clinics in Hathersage, Worksop, Doncaster and Dronfield

Whether you are injured or not, we will give you the tools in the form ofstretches, exercises, training advice, footwear recommendations to preventinjury and to realise your performance goals.

To book a consultation please contact us.