How many years have you been involved in physiotherapy and rehabilitation?
I have been doing physio for 15 years and I really love my job.
How did you get into about this profession?
I actively practice sports since I remeber, and injuries have always been a part of my life, so all that becoming the object of my professional interestes came very naturally. That is also why I decided to specialize in the field of orthopedics, traumatology and sports rehabilitation.
What kind of people do you meet while working?
I meet all kinds of people during my work. I work with a lot of athletes – professionals and amateurs (climbers, runners, basketball players, skiers, etc.), but also with people with sedentary professions and lifestyle. The focus of my work is to create individual programs, specially created for the needs of each client, using scientifically proven methods for prevention and treatment. Each case is a possibility for new knowledge and experience. 🙂
I have been climbing for a long time and I think that climbing is a wonderful sport that trains complex physical and mental qualities, but it can also cause a lot of injuries. My job as a physiotherapist with many climbers has inspired me to create lectures, articles and programs dedicated to the prevention and treatment of the most common sports injuries, aiming to improve the knowledge of climbers on how to benefit from all the advantages of the sport without getting injured. And if they already have a problem, how to fix it effectively and in the long-term.
What are the most common injuries?
Injuries to the muscles of the fingers and wrist, shoulder and elbows. The term “climbing elbow” is not a coincidence. 🙂
What is the most frequently asked question by climbers?
“Why do my elbows, shoulders, fingers hurt?”, “Is it serious?”, “How is it treated?”, “What should I do, so I don’t make it worse?”, “Can I climb or should I rest?”
What would you say to a person entering the climbing gym for the first time?
Be open to learning. Start with an instructor who would give you important knowledge and teach you the skills for proper climbing and securing techniques.
Adapt your sessions to your capabilities and set realistic goals in order not to injure yourself.
In order to progress, it is important to be persistent, well-prepared and, most importantly, to have fun.
Photo: Evelin Georgieva
