Hey,

I started climbing in March and I'm hooked. I mostly go to my local climbing gym. I climb there 2 -3 times a week. Right now I mostly climbing V0 - V2's and 5 9 - 5 10a's. I keep getting aching pains in my shoulders that spread down my arms. I know that's a really vague description but does anyone know what that could be?

Not stretching and warming up before climbing at your limit, not cooling down and stretching after after climbing, and climbing too frequently. Rest days are not a bad thing. I am guilty of not stretching and I pay for it.

its a test to see if you are worthy enough! i had the same issues when i started climbing. especially in the elbow. all i did was stretch a bunch and climb even more. i also noticed that my shoulders and elbows were pretty sore when i hit that 2-3 month mark. i didnt really worry about the pain. i just figured my body was getting used to it. so the moral of my post i guess is STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH!! before and after your session. rupturing a tendon is the exact opposite of fun, and it hurts like a bitch. I hope your arm feels better soon.

ps. did i mention that you can drink away the pain?

Make sure to strengthen all the muscles that surround your shoulder. Lats, Traps and Deltoids. If one is stronger than the others it can become strained from picking up the slack!

I second all the stretching and water drinking, but particularly I'd like to point out the necessity of at least some cross-training as Trish alluded to. Doing the same repetitive motions in climbing (such as only pulling obv) can result in some longterm injuries. Take my word for it. And please remember that if those aches turn into real pains, it's better to take an extra few rest days now than being forced to later.

Hatha Yoga once you get beyond the beginner classes is a good for general climbing cross training and stretching for that matter.

I had the exact same problem when I started climbing, especially when bouldering a lot. With a little rest, and suffering I got through it. I think because your body is going through some changes, aches/pains can be expected. Be careful, and take it slow. It takes years to gain the tendon strength, knee, and overall flexibility. Bouldering is hard on fingers, and knees. I found out the hard way just out 8 weeks from surgery to repair my torn knee cartilage. Or maybe I'm getting old??? Good luck.