Flashed Blog Rehabbing a broken thumb

Summer 2014 has been a great summer. I was surprised at how quickly my thumb healed and how soon I was able to get back to climbing. As you may or may not recall, I broke that long bone at the base of your thumb, the 1st metacarpal...right through. My case was on for what seemed an eternity. Once it came off, my rehab started, and once the surgeon found out I was an OT, he basically left me to it, which surprised me a little. Anyway, I did what I learned during my hand therapy school work placement...I massaged it A LOT; worked on strength and mobility by using my weak hand to do as much as possible (a favourite was picking out my favourite Jelly Belly's from a bowl); and I consulted with my awesome physio/climber friend Lea whom also threw in a few needles here and there.Workin' on that mobility and dexterityMy cast came off in early May and I started belaying my hubby outside right away, and carefully climbing inside three weeks later. A little Flashed tape job for support and to remind me to take it easy.A little achy pain was okay for me, but I was careful not to over-do it. I forced myself to stop early some days and kept reassuring myself that it's okay to take it easy. By end of May I was climbing outside.Healing progressed really fast, which surprised me. Our bodies are amazing at healing!I went on vacation to Maple Canyon in June, the perfect place to go to get back into climbing shape. I was shocked at how quickly my strength, endurance and confidence improved. I wasn't projecting 5.9's and 5.10's like I thought would be. Rather, I was onsighting 5.11's and working 5.12-5.13s. I ended up making very short work of Orgasmo 5.12c.Sending Orgazmo, 5.12c. Photo cred: Bonar McCallumUpon our return home I was re-energized and psyched to start working some hard projects.Spicy Elephant full, a 5.13b was one of them and I had one hung it. I should have climbed it this summer, but it was a climb that scared the crap out of me: huge whippers; really hard clips and moves; plus it was so long I was tired (physically and mentally) by the time the crux came on the extension. So I only sorta worked it for the majority of the summer. I wasn't fully committed...until the last 3 weeks of summer.Me on Spicy Elephant, working through the crux sequence. Photo Cred: Roger FageMy one hang was several weeks ago, but snow and freezing temps made that my last attempt...at least until a Chinook arrives. My endurance is probably long gone, but I do feel as though I'm physically getting stronger. I credit my friends at the Chinook Climbing Centre for supporting me as I struggle with the crazy exercises and keeping me motivated. I will for sure send it quickly next summer.I've learned a lot while working it. The main lesson I've learned is that full on commitment is worth it. Once I committed to it, and gave it my all (even when I felt tired or scared), major improvements came fast. I was disappointed that I didn't get it last summer...but it was entirely my fault. I wasted a lot of time playing around on other climbs and avoided really working my proj. I felt great one-hanging it but just wished that I had a couple more days to send....2 days was all I needed. Oh well.Another highlight of my summer was taking some good friends outside to climb on a rope for their first time! Allison Eisner, and Lani Rabinovitch TR'd their first 5.6 and 5.7!Next up, Vegas baby. We're back there for our annual Christmas bouldering holiday! Our plan is to drive down December 19th and return for January 4th. So if any other team members are around, give us a shout!Did I mention that we have a new addition to our climbing family...Meet Bella. She is the best! If you are considering getting a dog, do it! A little extra work but so worth the joy that he/she would bring. Or even speak to someone at your local shelter to see if they allow folks to take shelter dogs out for hikes on weekends! K & BellaBella looking out from the Lookout.