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How to get used to kicking again after injury

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Taekwondo News · 2024-09-15 · TATSU WEAR Editorial

Returning to full-force kicking after an ankle injury requires controlled progression, not willpower alone. Begin with light bag work at 30% power, focusing on technique over intensity. Use a stretching strap to restore ankle dorsiflexion before adding weight. Practice slow-motion roundhouses on a chair to rebuild muscle memory without impact fear. Progress to light bag work at 50% power before attempting 70% power. Only return to full power when pain-free and confidence returns naturally.

What Happened

Ankle tip fractures from accidental Judo cross-training require 6-8 weeks minimum recovery. Regaining dorsiflexion takes 4-6 weeks of daily stretching. Mental blocks often linger 2-4 weeks longer than physical healing. Pivoting drills on a chair before floor work rebuild muscle memory safely.

Why It Matters

Mental blocks can linger 2-4 weeks longer than physical healing. Forcing impact too early reinforces fear patterns. Progressive loading builds confidence without re-injury risk. Controlled progression prevents setbacks that derail training momentum.

The Details

Ankle tip fractures require 6-8 weeks minimum recovery. Regaining full dorsiflexion takes 4-6 weeks of daily stretching. Pivoting drills on a chair before floor work rebuild muscle memory safely. Progress to light bag work at 50% power before attempting 70% power.

What’s Next

Progress to 70% power on heavy bags once pain-free. Add spinning kicks only after straight-line confidence returns. Return to full-power sparring only when pain-free and confidence is natural. Track progress in a training journal to monitor confidence return.

Source: Original source

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Source: Original source