Rock Climbing
October 2022
Rock Climbing.
At Universal, we believe that all mountains can be conquered, including the indoor ones. With that philosophy in mind we have continued to look for therapies that safely challenge our clients’ limits while also engaging the mind, body, and spirit – and our search led us to our newest adventure, indoor rock climbing.
An activity that is mentally and emotionally engaging is a great starting point for any therapy because not only does it excite and focus the clients, it leaves them inspired. We can all relate to facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle taunting us to overcome it, even if it must be one step at a time.
Better to raise our skill than lower the climb.
Royal Robbins
Bryna, Alex, and Jean finding their own path upward, assisted by Kina (left) and Petra (center).
The four clients that attended this first rock climbing outing were ready and eager; this was a unique opportunity to be challenged in a way they have never been challenged before.
Kina, our Assistant Director of the Physical Therapy Department, provides an in-depth explanation of each client’s PT goals:
“Bryna uses PT provided modified wrist/hand hooks as she has limitation in her finger and grip strength. Rock climbing helps her work on her standing posture and balance while she reaches, weight shifts, and lifts one leg at a time to place her hands and feet on the rock holds.
Alex, who is working with our PT Assistant Petra, is targeting a few things. He’s working on his standing balance and coordination as he reaches and targets the rocks with better control and accuracy. Reaching for the rock holds that are further away allows him to work on his arm flexibility. Scanning for a rock path promotes better neck posture and control.
Greg will also be targeting his coordination – while reaching hands and placing feet on the rock holds, we’ll emphasize control and accuracy with his reaches. Moving his feet along the wall will target his balance especially stability with single leg support. He’ll also be working on judgement with selecting the holds/path that are safest for him.”
Although the reality of rock climbing seemed intimidating at first, the clients displayed tremendous courage and a willingness to give their best despite any temporary doubts. Supported by our reliable PT and Enrichment teams, the clients surprised themselves with how much fun they had.
During the days following the outing, the clients continued to talk about their rock climbing experience and were already planning their next climb – would they use the harness to ascend higher next time? How would they maneuver their hands and legs differently? Should there be any changes to their adaptive equipment? Long after the experience was over, these questions motivated them to problem solve, plan, and look forward to their next attempt at facing the wall – one purposeful step up at a time.
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