Bouldering is intensive and places high loads on the fingers, wrists, shoulders and ankles. Many injuries are caused by overuse, poor landings, or forcing moves that are too hard.
Prevent injuries with a proper warm-up, start with easy problems to prepare muscles and tendons, prioritise technique over raw strength, respect your limits and rest adequately. Good falling technique and mindful climbing reduce risk significantly.
Here are some common bouldering terms:
Holds differ and require different techniques: crimps need precise finger strength, slopers rely on body position and friction, pinches need thumb strength, and pockets take one to three fingers. Learning hold types helps you move more efficiently.