Are You Injured And Struggling To Get Back To Rock Climbing?

A Personal Message From Dr. AJ Cohen

Are you worried about a rock climbing injury causing pain & stiffness that doesn’t go away no matter how much you rest?
Are you frustrated that pain medications, massages, or stretching hasn’t worked and your injury only seems to be getting worse?
Are you having to slow down or even stop climbing altogether?
Are you still looking for a long-term solution so you can get back to your favorite climbs?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are in the right place!

It’s very common to think that pain caused by a rock climbing injury is nothing and that it will go away on its own.

It’s also common to think of it as something that happens to all climbers and if you just keep pushing through it it’ll go away eventually. If that’s happening to you, you’re definitely not alone, and we hear this type of thing all the time.

In fact, pain from climbing is one of the most common problems that we see in our clinic.

Take John B. As An Example...

“Dr. AJ really knows what he is talking about. I went to him after my shoulder dislocated again and he got me working and stabilized my shoulder for rock climbing. I am so thankful for the work that I have done with him and would recommend him to anyone who wants to get back to doing what they love.“

Before Coming Into Up And Running PT, Many Of Our Rock Climbers Suffering From Injuries From Rock Climbing Are Told…

Just “rest” and it’ll be fine (then months later they’re still suffering…)
It’s “normal” to have injuries from rock climbing and you'll just have to push through it.
If you take some pills everything will be fine.
Surgery or injections are the only options.

The Truth About Rock Climbing Injuries Is:

Resting it doesn’t change anything. You might get a small temporary relief, but then when you get active again, you’ll still be suffering from back pain and stiffness (I bet you’ve already experienced it!).
It’s not normal to get back pain and stiffness as you get older!
Pain pills are addicting, dangerous, and can cause a lot of other problems with your body.
Surgery and injections are not the only options. It’s just the only option your surgeon can offer you.

"We Help Runners And Active Adults In The Fort Collins Area Overcome Injury And Be Stronger Than Ever, Avoid Unnecessary Time Off, All Without Medications, Injections, Or Surgery."

Take Corban L. As An Example...

“I worked with AJ to address pain in my lat muscle which was preventing me from rock climbing at a higher level. AJ’s approach is much different than a traditional PT. He focused on teaching along the way so I understood why we were doing certain techniques or exercises. He also empowered me to be in charge of my own rehab exercises, stressing the importance of getting my exercises done and progressing them along the way according to what he taught me. He is a wealth of information and a great resource for me moving forward as I progress my climbing and running.“

If You Have An Injury From Rock Climbing, You've Likely Tried:

A certain stretch your friend told you about that worked for them but that isn’t working for you.
Going to yet another healthcare professional, or even another physical therapist, but nothing they said or did seemed to help.
Following the “experts” on YouTube who recommend doing a certain exercise, but all it did was make the pain worse.
Trying out a yoga class, but you were slowed down by your pain the whole time and left feeling worse.

All while the doctor tells you to rest and take some pills.

When It Comes To Solving Something Serious Like Pain And Stiffness From Rock Climbing Injuries…

You must choose the right provider for your health.

If you don’t, you could end up getting dangerous surgery (when it was unnecessary) or become dependent on addicting painkillers the rest of your life. Getting the “least-invasive”, most natural treatment is VITAL to stopping your pain and stiffness from your injury and keeping it from ever returning.

To do that, you have to not just treat the pain, but have a provider who is willing to figure out WHY the pain happened in the first place.

That’s when you’ll get a PERMANENT solution to your problems.

FAQs about Rock Climbers Injury Prevention

How can I prevent injuries while rock climbing?

The best way to prevent rock climbing injuries is to address strength imbalances and movement inefficiencies early. A rock climbing injury prevention plan focuses on finger strength, shoulder stability, and proper technique. At our Fort Collins physical therapy clinic, we help you stay strong and climb pain-free.

What are the most common rock climbing injuries?

Common rock climbing injuries include finger tendon strains, shoulder pain, and elbow issues like tendinitis. These usually develop from overuse or poor movement patterns. With the right injury prevention strategies, many of these can be avoided.

Do I need physical therapy for injury prevention if I am not injured?

Yes, injury prevention is most effective before pain starts. A physical therapist can identify weak areas and movement limitations that increase your risk. This helps you climb longer and with more confidence.

How do I strengthen my body to avoid climbing injuries?

A proper rock climbing injury prevention program focuses on grip strength, shoulder control, and core stability. It also includes mobility work to keep your joints moving well. This combination reduces strain on your body while climbing.

Can improving technique really reduce climbing injuries?

Yes, poor technique often puts unnecessary stress on your fingers and shoulders. Improving how you move can significantly lower your risk of injury. We help you refine movement so you climb more efficiently and safely.

We Offer A Hands-On Approach To Your Wellness Using Our Up And Running 3-Step Method.

Step 1:

Find The Real Cause Of Your Pain

We’ll take you through a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and identify the cause of your problem. Then we’ll explain what must be done to get you back to full speed and back to the activities you enjoy.

STEP 2:

Fix Your Problem Areas

We’ll develop a treatment plan that will be tailored specifically to you and your goals. This will ultimately allow us to get you stronger, pain-free, and on track to reach your goals more effectively and efficiently.

STEP 3:

Reach Peak Performance

Once we get you back to exercising pain free, we’ll implement strategies to get you performing at an even higher level than you were prior to your injury. We’ll also implement strategies to “bulletproof” your body to decrease the likelihood of future injuries occurring.

Finally Get Rid Of Your Back Pain And Keep It From Coming Back!

At Up and Running PT we can help you to…

Our best clients are those who are motivated and ready to win back their active lifestyle. (Even if they feel stuck right now!)

You don’t have to sacrifice the activities you love over problems that can be fixed.

Let’s schedule a time to chat about how you can feel like yourself again.

Sincerely,
Dr. AJ Cohen