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