Therapeutic Escalation
In pediatric physiotherapy, therapeutic climbing is a motivating tool for supporting children and adolescents with scoliosis , musculoskeletal pain , coordination/postural disorders , hypermobility , low self-confidence , and psycho-emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. It allows for work on body awareness, sensory regulation, and motor planning.
Even before climbing, putting on and adjusting the harness already helps the child to reconnect with their physical limits and sensations (support, breathing, tension) . On the wall, climbing engages core strength, balance, functional strength and coordination, while promoting autonomy and self-efficacy.
The child progresses at their own pace in a safe environment , with quick feedback on their successes (reaching a hold, overcoming a challenge, arriving at the top while following the physiotherapist's instructions) . Finally, I would like to mention that I am a member of the Swiss Therapeutic Climbing Association.
About therapeutic escalation
This project aims to give people with physical and/or mental difficulties the opportunity to thrive and progress in the comprehensive sport of climbing, in a climate of trust and with the support of professionals.
We know how good climbing is for our bodies ( coordination, balance, strength) , but not only that. It's also good for the mind and personal balance . It helps build self-confidence, free the mind, and make you feel good in your own skin.
Rock climbing experienced a surge in popularity starting in the 1950s, but it was in the 1980s and 90s that climbing emerged in the field of rehabilitation. In Switzerland, therapeutic climbing is still underdeveloped, and we are firmly convinced of its benefits.
Kleinstäuber et al, Rock climbing and acute emotion regulation in patients with major depressive disorder in the context of a psychological inpatient treatment , 2017
Aras et al, Sport climbing as a means to improve health-related physical fitness parameters 2016
Aras et al, The effect of anxiety about falling on selected physiological parameters with different rope protocols in sport rock climbing , 2014
Di Paola et al. Prolonged rock climbing activity induces structural changes in cerebellum and parietal lobe , 2013
Reporting
