Repeated Injury

[Ehren]

I went to my chiropractor and he told me I have repeated micro-trauma to my kidneys from fencing training. It doesn't happen at comps because you aren't constantly 'letting' people hit you in the same place. He tends to think that most fencers might have this problem. Has anyone else looked into this? It explained a lot of my health problems which have since disappeared.

Ehren

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[Shadow Fencer]

Ehren,
I don't understand the rationale from your chiropractor. Are you saying you get hit repeatedly in the area of your kidneys? What weapon do you fence? I only fence foil and understand that the entire body is valid target for epee, but I can't envision that your training sessions would focus on hits to the lower back.

Also the term micro-trauma could be interpreted as tissue damage (bruising) which occurs. The physiology of the body is such that specific cells go to the area of damage to repair and take away the waste products. This is a normal function for a healthy person.

As for myself, I come away with more bruises at a competition than at practice, but that's me. I recently had a complete physical and all my lab tests were normal.

I haven't heard of this phenomenon, but maybe someone else has. If you're feeling better, that's what counts!

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I live to fence and fence to live!!

[Ehren]

Whoops, I meant to say liver not kidneys Sorry about that. I fence foil and we have a least one session each practice to the lowline which means repeated hits to the lower right side of the body. Yes it is basically just scarring but the fact that the scar tissue is being hit it means it wasn't getting a chance to heal properly. All my 'tests' came back ok but there was still a lot of physical scarring. I don't know much about the body I'm just saying it as I was told.

Ehren

[Peach]

If your chiropractor is making pronouncements about your liver, I strongly suggest you go to a medical doctor for a second opinion. Chiropractic is outside its parameters when talking about that kind of medicine. My husband has gone to a chiropractor for decades, and he would dump the guy in a minute if he started talking about damage to his internal organs without immediately referring him to an internist.

[damianip]

Damage from repeated foil touches!! I'm in big trouble if that's the case.

Actually, I've taken to wearing a plastic chest protector (they do indeed make them for men, I assume that you are a male because you should be wearing some chest protection already if you're a female.) when I bout and drill at my club. It's particularly appreciated at épée.

I suggest that you get one if you are concerned about this. They are relatively cheap (35-40 USD) and not uncomfortable; certainly tolerable for non-competition use.

http://www.qp-sport.co.nz/masterga.html


Paolo

[chilli]

whoa, your chiropractor said this? I am with Peach on this one. I have seen a chiropractor off and on for about 15 years. He may speak to me about headaches and dizziness associated with compressing the blood flow and/or nerves with the spine. But as for internal medicine, no way josé, he is NOT qualified to talk about internal injuries. If it were me I would: 1.) Go get a 2nd opinion from a MD and 2.) Seriously question the chiropractor's abilities and motivations ($$$) for discussing subjects outside his expertise.

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Chilli ~((((&gt;

[Shadow Fencer]

Ehren,
I concur with Peach and Chilli. Their comments are valid!!

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I live to fence and fence to live!!

[MikeHarm]

A lot of chiropractors seem to be into acupuncture or acupressure. Weird stuff, but there often is merit to what they say.

Mike

[This message has been edited by MikeHarm (edited 04-14-2001).]

[Ehren]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I think I will see a medical doctor about it.

Ehren

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