Fencing

Common Injuries for Fencing

Due to the repetitive forward lunging and explosive retreating movements powered by the leg, fencers experience more injuries in their lower limb.Common area of injuries for fencing includes the foot, ankle, hip, knee and lower back osive movement.

Plantar Fasciopathy and Heel Pain

Repetitive stress/impact in the foot and leg coupled with limited ankle mobility increases the loading stress over the heel region. Poor management and accumulation of tension in the calf and muscles around the foot and leg cause pain in the arch of the foot What can you do? Regular conditioning and muscle relaxation therapy to balance out tension build up in the muscle around the foot and leg. Awareness of proper training progression to avoid "Too Much, Too Soon" pitfall Limit training times and number of Lunges performed during growth spurt periods for adolescent teens. What can MyPhysio do? We will usually start with some foot and ankle testing to see what structures are involved if there is no prior MRIs taken. Check for stability of the foot and ankle in functional and fencing specific movements. Correct any biomechanical compensations that may cause future problems, manage the pain, and provide exercises to prevent further injury. Recommendation to use heel cushions or taping during practice periods. Sports Enhancement Our first goal is to get you pain free while concurrently improving on your foot and lower limb mechanics to maximize usage of your leg musculature rather than over a single joint We go through footwork drills on attacking and retreating to improve speed and efficiency of your movements. Strength and conditioning advice to correct muscle imbalance and optimise mechanic efficiency, strength and power to reduce risk of re-injury.

Ankle Sprains

Chronic ankle instability? Accidentally step on someone's foot when landing? Ankle sprains is a common problem we see at the clinic for fencing injuries What can you do? Do not untie your shoelaces until you get a chance to ice the foot, otherwise the swelling in the foot will be accelerated and cause more pain. Ice it for 1-5 min or until numbing sensation occurs in a ice bath. Do this in 2 to 3 cycles right after the sprain happens or when you get home. What can MyPhysio do? There are a few things we will check to assess the situation. Check the severity of the sprain and which ligament are affected, and if it requires recommend an X-ray or MRI. Check for stability of the ankle, provide recommendations for stability braces if needed, Correct any biomechanical compensations that may cause future problems, manage the pain, and provide exercises to prevent further injury. Sports Enhancement Check stability with lunging and single leg balance on uneven surfaces to minimize future sprains. Optimizing movement pattern and minimizing biomechanic inefficency during attacking lunge or retreating movement to improve fluidity of movement.

Knee Ligament and Meniscus strain

Fencing requires a myriad of movement patterns including lunges and back peddling etc. Most knee problems occur with fatigue, which leads to poor footwork and more use of the knee joint and ligaments vs the muscles. The increase torque on the knee along with decreasing knee stability may lead to ligament and meniscus strains. What can you do? Consider wearing a sleeve brace to support fatigue muscles during long competition, Stay light on the toes and try to minimize over reaching or over lunging beyond your body's stability point. What can MyPhysio do? We will usually start with some knee testing to see what structures are involved if there is no prior MRIs taken. Next we check on your balance and foot structure. Provide good advice on proper rest and certain exercises to avoid during training sessions. Sports Enhancement Our first goal is to get you pain free while concurrently improving on your knee mechanics to maximize usage of your knee musculature rather than your knee joint or ligaments. We go through footwork drills for both attacking and retreat movement to improve movement patterns and explosiveness.

Lower Back Pain

Poor body positional awareness, restriction in the lower limb and/or upper trunk freedom of movement will increases the risk. Poor lunging or retreating footwork or driving cues may lead to over lunging, putting a spike of loading onto the lower back region due to compensation. What can you do? Stretch or use a massage ball/foam roller on the hips, lower back and hamstrings where possible. Reduce lunging width and speed in the period of recovery. Avoid over bending and reaching with the lower back. What can Myphysio do? Do graduated myofascial releases to reduce discomfort instead of aggressive massage which may aggravate pain in the lower back and legs. Check the spine and limbs for restriction or muscle imbalances. Correct any biomechanical compensations that may cause future problems, manage the pain, and provide exercises to prevent further injury. Sports Enhancement Teach basic core stability principals (Core Alpha: Spine) , improve lower body and spinal mobility/strength to improve lunging and retreating explosive movement.