Musculoskeletal Injuries in Climbers

This article aims to review the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in climbers, risk factors leading to those injuries, and treatment and prevention strategies specific to climbers.Recent FindingsMost chronic climbing injuries occur in the upper extremities, especially the hands, and are due to overuse. Outdoor climbing is associated with a higher rate of injury than indoor climbing, and among indoor climbing sub-disciplines, bouldering has the highest injury rate. Further research is needed to identify specific techniques or training regimens that may lead to injury, and furthermore, if changing technique during training or competition could reduce these injuries.SummaryThe types and incidences of most climbing injuries are fairly well documented. Evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies for chronic climbing injuries are limited, but many injuries can be managed conservatively with rest, activity modification, and rehabilitation. More work is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for climbing injuries.
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research