12/14/2025
Grace Vild, a fencer from Wilmington, Delaware, came to NovaCare Rehabilitation after a training injury.
While fencing, she jumped back to avoid being hit and her back foot rolled underneath her. The result: a grade 3 ankle sprain with two of the three ankle ligaments completely torn, sidelining her from her sport.
“I love to fence and walk my dogs. I also work as a museum guide, so I’m on my feet all day,” Grace said. “My ankle injury took me out of the game and impacted almost everything I do.”
Grace chose NovaCare on the recommendation of her father, who is also a patient. “He told me not to bother looking anywhere else, just go to Troy at NovaCare,” she said.
Under the care of Physical Therapist Troy Staker at our Delaware - Wilmington center, Grace began a tailored rehabilitation program focused on restoring stability, mobility and strength. Her treatment included balance training, ankle mobility work, progressive strengthening, hip and core conditioning, plyometric drills and fencing-specific movement patterns to help her safely prepare for return to sport.
“Troy has been absolutely fantastic,” Grace said. “He helped me build strength and stability not just in my ankle, but in my hips and core, too. What really stood out was how enthusiastic he was about incorporating fencing-specific exercises. He truly catered my experience to me.”
Today, Grace is back to her active life, walking, hiking, running and easing her way back into fencing after being fully cleared.
“I feel great. My daily life is back to normal, and I’m excited to get back on the piste again.”