The Athlete Movement System: Rock Climbing

Presented by Jared Vagy

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Video Runtime: 91 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 28 Minutes

This course is an introduction for medical providers who are interested in advancing their knowledge in assessing and diagnosing rock climbers. You will review the various settings, disciplines, and types of climbing and learn how suboptimal movement patterns can lead to injury. You will then be introduced to several patient cases related to shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger pain. Each patient case will show you how to use components of the movement system to identify mobility, muscle performance, and movement coordination impairments related to the climber’s pain. Based on movement classifications, you will utilize corrective exercises to restore optimal climbing movement.

Additional Content


Additional athlete movement system courses presented by Dr. Jared Vagy include:

The Movement System The Athlete Movement System For more information

Meet your instructor

Jared Vagy

Jared Vagy received his doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed a one-year residency in orthopedics and a one-year fellowship in movement science. Dr. Vagy is a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy in the DPT program at USC and is a mentor in both the…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Introduction and Patient Case: Jeremy

1. Introduction and Patient Case: Jeremy

This chapter will introduce you to the sport of rock climbing and will review the various settings, disciplines, and types of climbing. You will then be presented with a patient case of a climber with shoulder pain. You will learn how to utilize a systematic framework to assess the climber’s shoulder pain and provide interventions to return him to sport.

Patient Case: Tara

2. Patient Case: Tara

This chapter will present a climber with medial elbow pain. You will review specific test clusters to rule up or down competing diagnoses and determine how inefficient climbing movement contributes to the climber’s pain. You then learn a step-by-step process to rehabilitate the patient and return her to climbing pain-free.

Patient Case: Leah

3. Patient Case: Leah

This chapter will present a climber with finger pain. You will learn how to evaluate pulley sprains based on grade and severity and review research-supported best practices for rehabilitation. You will review how to assess the mobility and muscle performance of the fingers with a climbing-specific focus. Additionally, you will be provided with detailed recovery protocols and exercises to restore a climber’s finger to full function.