Part 1 - Elbow Tendinopathy
Fencing has many health benefits, including endurance, coordination and mental agility. However, it is not without risk of injury. In fact, one study showed that 84% of recreational fencers had experienced pain or injury due to fencing. Also, after injury, many fencers struggle with performing at their best again.
Many fencing injuries can be avoided, the recovery can be speeded up, and the return to sport strengthened - if the right approach is taken early on.
Here, in this first of a two-part blog, we take a look at one of the most common injuries fencers suffer, fencer’s elbow. Also, find out about a special offer for our Lansdowne Club Fencing Salle members - more on that below.
Fencer’s Elbow
Perhaps more commonly known as tennis elbow, a ‘fencer's elbow’, or elbow tendinopathy, is an overuse injury that is characterised by pain on the outside of the elbow. Frequently this pain can travel down towards the wrist or up towards the shoulder. In this condition, pain is often felt with lifting or gripping type activities.
In fencing, particularly when using the heavier Epee sword, the wrist extensor muscles and tendons endure high workloads. If not given enough time to recover between sessions or unconditioned to such work, the wrist extensor tendons can become overloaded and painful.
Preventing Elbow Tendinopathy
A simple exercise that can help to increase the robustness of the extensor tendons is the overhand bicep curl. Grab hold of a weight with an overhand grip, so the palm is facing down. From there, perform a curling action, bending at the elbow. Aim to 3 sets of 8 reps and make sure you are feeling fatigued towards the end of each set.
“As with many overuse injuries, fencing elbow can be avoided by ensuring enough rest is taken after heavy use. After a heavy training or competition session, allow at least 24 hours of rest before the next training session.”
Over gripping the sword is a common technical fault that can precede the onset of fencer's elbow. A review session with your coach can help you determine if this is a problem for you.
Treating Fencer’s Elbow - and a Special Offer!
If you are experiencing elbow pain after fencing, book a consultation with physio Charlie. He will thoroughly assess your injury, before putting together a rehabilitation program including a plan to stay safe, warm up properly and move more efficiently.
We can currently offer our Lansdowne Club Fencing Salle members a *20% discount on their initial consultation.
In Part 2 - we look at fencing injuries affecting the lower limbs.
*Only valid until November 2022 and terms and conditions apply - please contact us on 0203 012 12 22 for more information.
