Expert Physiotherapy for Climbers in Exeter: Injury Prevention and Performance Advice
Climbing Injury Prevention and Performance: Insights from Exeter’s Climbing Physios
Aim Higher. Get Better.
Trusted by climbers. Here is one of our physio team, Daniel van Woerkens, in the gym at Boulder Exe.
At Quay Kinetics Physio, we specialise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and sports injury rehabilitation—particularly for climbers in Exeter. Our team includes Chartered Physiotherapists who not only treat climbing injuries daily but also climb regularly themselves, giving us a unique understanding of the movement demands and loading patterns involved in bouldering, sport climbing, and indoor wall training.
We recently contributed to an article in partnership with Boulder Exe, covering key strategies to help climbers reduce injury risk and enhance performance.
👉 Read it here: Climb Strong, Stay Injury-Free – Boulder Exe
Why Climbing Injuries Happen
Climbing places unique strain on the finger flexor pulley system, shoulder stabilisers, hip rotators, and core musculature. Common injuries we see at our Exeter physiotherapy clinics include:
A2 or A3 pulley sprains and partial tears
Rotator cuff overload and posterior shoulder pain
Hip impingement or labral irritation
Knee and Hamstring pain with heel-hooking and high-stepping moves
Lumbar spine overload with dynamic overhang climbing
Flexor–pronator tendon pain from over-gripping causing elbow pain
Many of these injuries are related not just to load volume, but to underlying movement control issues, insufficient mobility, or inadequate strength-endurance in key stabilising structures.
Preventative Physiotherapy for Climbers
At Quay Kinetics Physio, we don’t just treat injuries—we help climbers prevent them. As part of a comprehensive injury prevention and performance strategy, we offer:
Movement assessments focused on scapulothoracic rhythm, shoulder control, and dynamic lower limb stability
Tailored prehabilitation programming for climbers, including antagonist training and loading protocols for finger flexors
Climber-specific rehab plans with clear return-to-climb criteria
On-site sessions at Boulder Exe and the Quay Climbing Centre in Exeter
Integrated Care in a Climbing-Specific Setting
Having physio rooms within two of Exeter’s most prominent climbing centres allows us to provide sport-specific guidance, observe movement patterns on the wall, and offer training modifications where needed.
We collaborate with coaches and trainers when appropriate and provide seamless care for everyone from junior competition climbers to weekend warriors or adult beginners returning from injury.
Book with a Climbing Physio in Exeter
If you’re struggling with a persistent climbing injury, prepping for a climbing holiday, or want to understand how to future-proof your body for your sport, we’d love to help. Our physios are not only clinically trained, but personally invested in helping Exeter’s climbing community move well and climb longer.
👉 Book an appointment at Quay Kinetics Physio
📍 Available at Boulder Exe and Quay Climbing Centre locations
📆 www.quaykineticsphysio.janepp.co.uk