Isabella Castro discusses neuromuscular re-education of the fingers, a method that leverages neuroplasticity to improve grip and finger control in climbers. She shares practical assessment techniques, exercises, and how this approach can prevent injuries and enhance climbing performance.

Isabella Castro's Bio

• Isabella Castro is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Southern California. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Bella's interest in physical therapy grew from rock climbing at Hueco Tanks and seeing different injuries and analyzing movement. Through climbing, she developed a strong interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation, which has transferred to care across a variety of populations. During her time at USC, Bella has gained clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, and acute inpatient care. Through her education, she hopes to use her knowledge of physical therapy to serve her community and help people stay active in the activities that are meaningful to them. She has a particular interest in working with climbers and hopes to incorporate climbing rehabilitation and performance into her future practice. Outside of physical therapy, Bella enjoys climbing, figure skating, cycling, and spending time outdoors.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to neuromuscular re-education in climbing
• 02:03 What is neuromuscular re-education and why it matters
• 03:07 Training the fingers for climbing: beyond strength
• 04:01 Assessing neuromuscular deficiencies in climbers
• 05:57 Identifying grip issues and finger control problems
• 07:54 Range of motion and muscular control tests
• 09:24 Proprioception and joint position sense testing
• 12:14 Self-measuring finger control and proprioception
• 15:48 Framework for training: the rock rehab pyramid
• 16:35 Stretching, mobilization, and activation exercises
• 21:26 Transferring finger control to climbing with deadpoint drills
• 23:24 Using assisted hangs for neuromuscular training
• 25:31 Case study: before and after finger re-education
• 29:06 Final thoughts on neuromuscular control and injury prevention

Links and Resources for This Episode:

• 📝 Full Article Reviewed in the Podcast

• 🎥 Video YouTube Podcast Episode

Social Media and Webpage:

• 🕸️Webpage / 📸 Instagram /📍Pinterest / 📝 Blog Articles:

Books, Injury Protocols, and Rehab Tools

• The Resilient Climber Book / Climb Injury-Free Book / Self-Help Injury Protocols / Rehab Tools: /Brand Partner Discounts

Injury Rehab Coures

• The Resilient Climber Course / Courses for Medical Providers / Courses for Coaches

In this episode, Sam Lemminger, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health, discusses the importance of pelvic floor awareness for climbers and everyone interested in body performance. She explains how understanding and connecting with this often-overlooked area can improve climbing performance and overall well-being.

Sam Lemminger's Bio

• Sam Lemminger is a Fort Collins, CO-based physical therapist specializing in treating orthopedic injuries and pelvic health. Sam has additional training in internal pelvic floor assessment and treatment, dry needling, manual therapy, and rehabilitation of rock climbers and CrossFit athletes. Her goals as a physical therapist include helping people of all ability levels optimize their health and fitness and reduce pain to feel their best while pursuing their passions. In addition to clinical care, she is a teaching assistant with the Spine Management division of the Institute of Clinical Excellence. When away from the clinic, Sam loves being active through hiking, CrossFit, climbing, running, or snowboarding. When it's time to slow down, you can find her baking bread and pastries!

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Floor and Climbing
• 02:40 Understanding the Pelvic Floor
• 05:22 The Importance of Pelvic Floor in Performance
• 08:04 Common Issues and Misconceptions
• 10:52 Assessing Pelvic Floor Health
• 13:25 Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• 16:12 Treatment and Management Strategies
• 19:34 Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• 21:21 Stages of Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• 23:10 Initial Assessment and Treatment Session
• 26:53 Active Engagement of Pelvic Floor and Core
• 30:20 Progressing Beyond Initial Treatment
• 33:37 The Importance of Nutrition and Recovery

Links and Resources for This Episode:

• 🎥 Video YouTube Podcast Episode

Social Media and Webpage:

• 🕸️Webpage / 📸 Instagram /📍Pinterest / 📝 Blog Articles:

Books, Injury Protocols, and Rehab Tools

• The Resilient Climber Book / Climb Injury-Free Book / Self-Help Injury Protocols / Rehab Tools: /Brand Partner Discounts

Injury Rehab Coures

• The Resilient Climber Course / Courses for Medical Providers / Courses for Coaches

This episode explores the complex relationship between pain, fear, and climbing injuries, featuring Riley Hess, a PT student with personal climbing injury experience. Discover how pain science, central sensitization, and psychological strategies like graded exposure and expectancy violation can help climbers overcome persistent pain and rebuild confidence.

Riley Hess's Bio

• Riley Hess is a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate from MCPHS University who will begin her career working in the acute care setting following licensure. Her passion for movement began outside of the classroom through climbing, where a love for both performance and community sparked an interest in human movement and rehabilitation. Since starting climbing in 2019, Riley has worked in the climbing industry through coaching and has expanded into providing educational talks focused on pain management and injury prevention. Outside of the clinic, Riley enjoys volunteering as a ski patroller and spending as much time in the outdoors as possible.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Fear and Pain in Climbing
• 02:40 Understanding Pain and Its Nuances
• 05:22 Personal Experiences with Injury and Pain
• 06:56 Exploring Central Sensitization
• 08:24 Pain Management Strategies for Climbers
• 12:02 Graded Exposure and Expectancy Violation Techniques
• 16:03 The Role of Fear in Climbing and Recovery
• 21:06 Final Thoughts on Pain Management and Recovery

Links and Resources for This Episode:

• 📝 Full Article Reviewed in the Podcast
• 🎥 Video YouTube Podcast Episode

Social Media and Webpage:

• 🕸️Webpage / 📸 Instagram /📍Pinterest / 📝 Blog Articles:

Books, Injury Protocols, and Rehab Tools

• Climb Injury-Free Book / Self-Help Injury Protocols / Rehab Tools: /Brand Partner Discounts

Injury Rehab Coures

• Courses for Medical Providers / Courses for Coaches