Recovering from a broken leg during fencing season. Any advice/experience to share?

[debrobjosh]

I am a parent of a high school sabre fencer who broke a leg late last August (at fencing camp no less), and who is getting pretty bummed about how long it is taking to get back into fighting trim. He is going to physical therapy to strengthen his leg muscles, works out with his team and at his club, and has been going to meets, where sometimes the pain just shows up and he has to withdraw.

Is there anyone out there who would care to share their experiences recovering from such an injury? In particular, how long was it from the injury before you could be on the strip? What kinds of therapies have been effective for you? What would be useful in helping him regain his confidence?

If it wasn't for this injury, I think he would have qualified for the JOs. (He only missed the cutoff by a few rankings, but hey, considering it was his first meet since the accident, and he wasn't comfortable retreating, I think he did pretty well!) His next goal is summer nationals.

Besides sharing of experiences, what words of wisdom could anyone offer to help keep his spirits up?

[fencerbill]

Being a New England Patriots fan I can only point to the line backer wearing 59 (brain cramp on his name) and his recovery from his serious hip injury. He is not yet 30 years old. He injured his hip in the third game of the 2003 season. Even last year, almost a full year after his injury, people were disappointed with his performance and wondered whether he would ever regain the level per play he had demonstrated with the Bears. Now look at how he is doing this year.

It just takes time.

[DJ Apostrophe]

Bill,

you're thinking of Rosevelt Colvin.

-w

[black tulip]

I had a serious injury to an ankle several years ago. Major tissue damage to the tendons and ligaments. Some were barely attached. Doctors advised me not to return to fencing but I did anyways.

Recovering and returning is a long slow process that will not happen in less than a year. First the injury has to heal. Second the muscles have to regain their strength. Third and most important is your son has to regain confidence in the injured leg. The physical therapy is a good place to start. Speak with the therapist about any exercises that might relate to fencing actions. Don't let your son become isolated from the salle. Encourage him to use this time to become a smarter fencer.

Good luck to him and remind him. Healing takes time.

Black Tulip

[dknj]

I tore a muscle in my lead (left) leg the week of the first World Cup of the 2004 Olympic qualifying season. I fenced in that World Cup, the first circuit of the season, and then spent the next 5 weeks in a boot. I honestly thought I wouldn't make the Olympic Team, for a second time.

Just re-hab diligently, and everything will be fine. Plus you can always take lessons in a chair and work on your hand/arm skills.

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by debrobjosh

Besides sharing of experiences, what words of wisdom could anyone offer to help keep his spirits up?

I've never broken a leg, so I don't have first hand experience.

BUT

It might help to remind him that he's not the first person to suffer this injury, and there are many people who have worked/trained/studied for years to aid in the recovery process.

I'd find someone in your area that specializes in rehab/recovery - be very honest with them about the injury and his athletic expectations, then follow the program without trying to get back too quickly.

In short, find a professional and follow their recomendations.

All the best!

[snarsdale]

Precise estimates of healing depend on what, exactly is broken, how much associated soft tissue injury occurred, etc. In general, however, it takes about 6 weeks to get a fracture to knit securely, and another 6 weeks will allow it to achieve about 90% of its ultimate strength (assuming no complications, delayed healing, etc.) Another 1-3 months for most people to return to "regular activities" (Not referring to competitive sports, here). Don't over-work an incompletely healed injury, to avoid setbacks. He's not a professional football player, missing out on millions each day, and who doesn't care if they need a walker after age 30 because they've blown out their knees, and no longer can earn those millions, anyway. Rehab under direction will be important; If they advise 20 repetitions of an exercise, 200 repetitions IS NOT ten times better! The time 'til full recovery will vary, but likely will be close to a year. (From the perspective of a Rehab doc).

For now, focus on bladework. Can even be done from a chair.
Good Luck

[epeeisky]

I have had serious leg problems and requred surgery. It took me 6 months to be somewhat comfortable back on the strip. While I couldnt fence I could do bladework, and that helped my fencing alot. My best advice is to find a sports rehab therapist or a sports injury doc/physical medicine doc to get a better routine and better advice.

[hello?]

I know two people who tore their Achiles tendons. It took both of them about a year to get back to fencing after surgery. However,, they kept taking lessons while sitting down...At least one of them said she was much better when she went back to fencing because of that......I would make sure he doesn't try to do too much-too soon and cause more damage...