Our Physio James performing an ultrasound scan of a A2 pulley finger injury
Last September I started a post graduate course at the University of Derby in Medical Ultrasound.
Having graduated from my undergraduate course (BSc Hons Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University) in 2009 it had been quite a few years since I’ve been sat in lectures and revised for exams!
It was a big learning curve to start with as ultrasound scanning was a completely new skill to me and something not many physiotherapists do. The university staff have been excellent and so far, I’ve passed all my exams.
The focus of my ultrasound scanning has initially been fingers and with the help of my mentor (our own sports and exercise medicine consultant DrLim) I have now scanned over 100 climbers’ fingers! It has gone from looking at the screen and not really having a clue what I am looking at to feeling fairly confident diagnosing common climbing injuries.
It makes a huge difference being able to look under the skin when trying to accurately diagnose an injury!
I have also been lucky enough to have a part time placement at theSheffield United FC Academy working with their Head of Sports Medicine. This has involved lots of ultrasound scanning of football players which has helped gain experience of lower limb scanning.
Currently there are significant disruptions to universities around the country due to Covid-19 however the University of Derby have put procedures in place to ensure the best opportunity possible for students to pass their courses this year.
If you are interested in how an ultrasound scan of a climbers finger injury works then check out the video at the top of the page.
This was done by the guys at Climbing Nomads. I’d highly recommend visiting their YouTube channel where they have lots of interesting content of all things climbing.
If you have any questions related to ultrasound scanning of climbing injuries, then get it contact here today.
Cheers!
James
