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Liam was dedicated to his training from day 1. He used both Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and Rehab Strength Training to return to his sport.
After returning to fencing, he continued to train with True Core for safe, structured, athletic performance enhancement through strength training. He also used activation workouts before fencing matches, to prepare and activate his muscles for maximal speed, agility, and injury resilience during his bouts.
Below is a discussion of Liam’s journey from injury to returning to elite levels of competition in youth fencing.
After reading the notes from Liam’s physical therapist, it seemed that Liam’s body could not withstand the physical stresses of his sport at his current level of strength. It is a common issue among competitive athletes of all levels, and one that strength training can address.
After an initial assessment, it was clear that Liam’s overall core and hip strength were low. Of note, he was barely able to lift either leg more than a couple inches during the hip flexion assessment I performed. This is something I tend to see with those who suffer from back pain.
Our sessions for the first few weeks were half Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and half Rehabilitative Strength Training.
Liam’s strength and conditioning improved quickly and he was able to return to fencing within our first month of training!
If you also notice in the picture, Liam’s hip flexion improved along with his increase in strength and decrease in back pain.
Once Liam returned to training and competing in fencing full-time, our training sessions became 100% strength and conditioning for performance focused. A quick assessment was performed before each session to gauge his level of recovery and joint stability before the session.
Liam not only became more resilient to injuries while fencing, but also became faster and more agile than he was before his injury.
Often times, Liam would schedule a light session just a few hours before his competitions to ensure his body was primed for performance and that his back and hips were stable going into his bouts.
With Liam, I helped him overcome “The Gap” (the place between physical therapy and strength training) and then transitioned into strength and conditioning for his sport. I also customized his training program to account for the specific strength he needed to avoid re-injuring his back.
“It has been a lot of fun working with Katrina and I have gotten some amazing results! I am faster, stronger, and have better mobility.
She also worked with my physical therapist to help strengthen me in a way that not only improved my fencing, but also helped with my back issues. Katrina also reached out to my fencing coach to understand more about my specific needs as a competitive fencer, and to also help support the goals and objectives that my coach had for me.
Coach Katrina was exactly what I needed! I would definitely recommend training with her if you want to take your performance to the next level and also overcome and avoid injury. ”
Accomplishments since starting training:
* Placed 9th of 135 people in fencing tournament
* Qualified for and competed in Fencing Junior Olympics
Liam went on to join the Men's Fencing Team (Epee) at Johns Hopkins University.
Train with a coach who is in your corner, and dedicated to your success how YOU define it - not others. See what it's like to train with intention. Whether your goal is sports performance, improving your ability to be physically active in your life, overcoming an injury, or improving recovery post-surgery to get back to your active life.
