A couple weekends ago, Class 5 Climbing gym in Torrance held their anniversary party for Touchstone Climbing’s 30th anniversary. The best way I knew how to celebrate was to offer free hand and wrist screenings, along with free pulley ring demos!
Treating a Pulley Injury
I reference back to a case series published in 2023 often: Climbing while healing: An orthotic intervention for rock climbers with a low-grade A2 pulley injury. The article talks about the difference between using an orthosis versus just I- or H-taping.
While H-taping is the better of the taping methods, taping is not rigid — it allows soft tissue to influence the tape. The tighter you make the tape, the more at risk for vascular limitations you pose. After a pulley injury, the last thing you want is to limit necessary blood flow and natural healing processes. A custom pulley ring orthosis solves this.
It was great being able to educate people who stopped by my table, along with being able to screen people for potential pulley injuries versus arthritic conditions versus tendinopathies. Some people wanted to know if they needed a pulley ring. Some came by just curious about how one would be made on their finger. Some actually needed one right then and there, and were able to take it with them.
The Follow-Up
It was really exciting being able to fit climbers on the spot — however, the reason I don’t do this often is because what is needed in addition to the splint is the follow-up. I could educate as much as possible in the few minutes I was with these climbers, but then that was it.
Funny enough, the following Wednesday night at the gym, I saw one of my guys climbing with his ring. He was 4 weeks out from irritating his A4 pulley, with an immediate improvement and relief of pain into a crimp grip. His friends told me he just sent a V9 problem! I was absolutely stoked for him.
But when he casually told me he still felt pain there, I winced. I can give as much guidance as possible through run-ins or text, but the ideal situation is to guide them through safe progressions and ensure healing is not delayed or prolonged.
If you’re stuck in your healing and think a custom brace might help, let me know. Let’s chat and see what you might need to (1) complement your healing while continuing to do what you love, and (2) ensure the healing happens on time and on track.