Injury Treatment
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Injury Treatment
Injured Pulleys DON'T Need Surgery!
Every injury has it’s specific rehabilitation protocol. Rock Climbing Pulley Injuries are very particular and adhering to a strict protocol is important for optimal recovery. Here is a brief overview of what treatment will look like with Dr. Matt to overcome a finger pulley injury:
In this first session, we discuss how to protect the healing tissue with a pulley ring, and what therapy you can be completing in the initial healing phase.
The second session will cover how to progress your therapeutic activity in a safe manner but with increased intensity using a hangboard.
In the final session (3rd or 4th), we discuss how to safely return to higher intensity climbing, and how to return you to optimal performance!
It used to be thought that ruptured pulleys required surgery. Every injury is unique so this is not an end-all-be-all statement, but if you injured your pulley rock climbing, you most likely do not need surgery. But you do need specialized care.
While your body’s tissues are healing, it is imperative that you protect the healing finger for the initial and intermediate phases to allow for scar tissue to form in place of the ruptured pulley. Don’t guess with your rehab process. Ask Dr. Matt how to proceed with your pulley injury, and how to best optimize your return to climbing.
For more detailed information about Pulley Injuries, read Dr. Matt’s articles on his blog by clicking here.
Heal With Dr. Matt
If you’ve injured your pulley, get in touch with us ASAP so we can start your healing process in the most effective way possible. The rehab protocol for a ruptured pulley takes approximately 6-12 weeks due to tissue-healing times, and subsequent remodeling of the healed tissue.
It is important that we work together throughout the process to ensure the protocol is going according to plan. Deviating from the protocol can jeopardize your rehab and could restart the clock for healing. Treating a pulley injury generally requires 3-4 treatment session to get you back to full climbing. Don’t hesitate! If you’re unsure, ask Dr. Matt.
(in-person or video call)
Have an injury that you need help with? Work 1-on-1 with Dr. Matt to:
- Review Technique
- Injury Diagnosis
- Discuss Therapeutic plan of care
- Follow-up emails with exercises and recap from the session
- Communicate questions for Dr. Matt via email
- Immobilization Phase with Pulley Ring - Weeks 1-6
- Therapeutic Activities to Decrease Inflammation and Restore Range of Motion - Weeks 2-6
- Hangboard Load Testing and Tissue Remodeling Phase - Weeks 6-8/10
- Return to Climbing Protocol - Week 8 onward
It is important to reiterate the importance of sticking to the protocol. For your finger to heal optimally, following each step carefully can mean the difference between returning to optimal climbing and being limited by a lasting finger injury into the future. Schedule a session today to ensure your rehab is optimized.
Other Services
- Pulley Injuries
- Youth Finger Injuries
- Information Consultation
- Performance Training
- Site Visits
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