Skin issues on thin crimp on RPTC

[brototype]

Not sure if this belongs in the injury/prevention sub-forum or not, but decided to ask it here.

I've been using the RPTC for a few weeks now and one of the holds in my HB program is the thin crimp, the one separate from the VDERs. I'm noticing major skin issues using this hold. After just a few repetitions I find the skin that meets the edge of the hold starting to peel a little and by the end of the work-out I've got some minor bruises. Has anyone else had problems with this hold? I know my skin isn't super thick at the moment, and it's not major enough to stop using the hold entirely, but it makes that part of the workout pretty uncomfortable.

P.S. I'm also finding I have to use a half-crimp on this hold to be able to do more than a couple repetitions.

[MarkAnderson]

Brototype,

A couple tips: First, I suggest sanding most (if not all) of the texture off the thin crimp. Second, its really important that you place your fingers on the crimp carefully. Often on a hold like this you will initially place the middle of your finger pad on the lip of the hold, with your PIP joint below the lip of the hold, and then "roll" your fingers up onto the hold (elevating your PIP joint above the lip). This places tremendous shear stress on your finger pad skin. This is a great technique to use outside to get every smidgen of purchase out of a small hold, but if you do it repeatedly in training you will eventually wreck your skin.

RE: the PS, are you using a pulley system? You should be able to use a closed crimp if you are removing enough weight. That said, there's nothing wrong with using a half crimp. Hangboarding with a closed crimp is risky, and you should only do it if you have enough experience "listening to your body" that you can carefully monitor and control the intensity.

[brototype]

Thanks for the reply Mark!

It turns out I was definitely rolling onto it, although almost imperceptibly. I am using a pulley system and recently started to feel how the closed crimp felt and it was ok. Thanks for the advice!