Joelle King: Injury Update

Five months on from rupturing her achilles, injured star Joelle King is back running and even hitting squash balls at her local Cambridge Racquets Club.

The reigning Commonwealth Games bronze medallist's rehabilitation continues apace.  Having (enthusiastically) started to tackle walking up stairs just prior to Christmas, King is now able to run moderate distances.  Starting very small, she has progressed as far as running 6km. 

However, she needs to be careful not to get ahead of herself.  After being out of action for so long, her achilles tendon (and other leg muscles) needs time to gradually get stronger.  If she over-works it by attempting to run too far, other leg muscles will be forced to compensate, exposing her to the risk of further injury.  "It can be frustrating... now that I am able to run again I just want to go for it!" explained King, "But my physio has explained to me the need to progress slowly but surely".

She is also back on the squash court, hitting balls providing her with an outlet for months worth of pent up energy.  Her time on the squash court is mostly static for now - either solo practise or basic drop/drive drills, but she plans to progress to routines involving more movement in the near future.

The British Open - her initial comeback target - remains on the horizon.  But while King would love to return for one of the biggest events on the squash calendar, she knows not to risk her health (or her confidence) if she is not ready in time.  With entries for the event closing in 6-7 weeks, she has plenty of time to monitor her progress before making a decision on whether to return for the British Open, or to target another event.

Asked what she misses the most, King's answer has remained the same throughout her rehabilitation: "Playing squash.  Just playing the game that I love". 

While she is back moving relatively freely, running, working on her agility and even hitting squash balls, she is not yet at the point that she could play a match.  Sudden changes of direction and deep lunges are works in progress.

For now, King is content to be back moving and hitting squash balls.  "One of the positive aspects of coming back from such a serious injury is that there are plenty of milestones along the way.  Relatively minor things, like being able to run 1.8km, feel amazing".

For more info on Joelle's comeback from injury, check out this article in the recent Fitness Journal.