So you've been injured, that sucks!

The 2 major injuries that plague climbers are pulled muscles and tendon stain. Of course there are other possiblities such as ruptured membrane, torn ligaments, stress fractures, broken bones, rope burns, bloody gaping wounds... the list is really endless but for now we'll stick to muscles and tendons.

 

The moment the injury ocures is you know it, especially if you've popped a tendon. And trust me, it pops, you can hear it happen.

So pain and swelling have started to take hold. This is your bodys way of saying, it's time to stop and that is exactly what you should do.

SWELLING:
Give your body at least 24 hours before trying to reduce the swelling. That swelling is doing a very important job. It is rushing vital plasma to the injury to help cells repair.

PAIN CONTROL
The pain that follows is another story. There are several natural things you can do to improve your pain treshold.
1. stop drinking all caffine products, they stimulate the nervious system.
2. Take added calcium, it calms the nervious system. Of course over the counte drugs are availible but can be hard on your stomack. they may also give you a false sense of wellness. Never climb if you have taken ibprophen or asprine. They can mask pain and lead you to further injury.

Boosting yor healing powers
1.Drink plenty of water. By staying hydrated you make it easier for cells to multipy and eliminate waste meterial. Vital to a speedy recovery.

2. Consider having a thereputic massage. Massage is excellent for relaxing both the mind and body, for stimulating lymphatic drainage and stimulating blood circulation. all of which are immune system boosters.

5. Look into alternative therepies, such as prolotherepy or accupuncture.

6. After a reasonable amount of rest, start working the muscles around the injury, so that they can better support the load and the muscle or tendon is regaining its strenth.

3.Get back into it slowly but steadily. It shouldn't take long to get right back to where you were. In fact I have known many climbers who have actully come back stronger after an injury. I believe that this is due to the fact that the all of your muscles have had a chance to grow to meet the new demands you are putting on them.

4.Watch your diet. Foods that are high in sugar, slow down healing. Protiens help to build muscles. And don't forget your veggies (vitamins and minerals)