I have been having some shoulder issues this winter and finally went to my doctor. X-Ray came back with shoulder arthritis. Pretty surprised as I am only 45. I was told to stop swimming and find something else to do. I do not have a swimming background but started swimming about 7 years ago when my running career came to an end. I love it and do not want to stop but I also do not want to further damage my shoulder.
Do others have experience with this? Should I hang it up or do swimmers work through this crummy diagnosis /prognosis?
Sayerd,
I am a few years older (65) with alot of miles on my shoulders. Right shoulder has been the culprit for years, so had an x-ray which showed advanced arthritis. I also had some bicep tendonitis which has resolved itself, but the Orthopedic doctor told me I would not be able to do butterfly because of the arthritis unless I had surgery. Much easier to skip butterfly than do surgery. :) I continue to swim 90 minutes a day.
There are other factors that cause shoulder pain besides arthritis. You could have bicep tendonitis (ah MRI would be necessary). You could be aggravating it with certain lifts if you are doing strength training. As has been mentioned, you should start doing rotator cuff exercises (a PT who knows swimming can help) and stretching. And, as was mentioned, have a good stroke technician look at your stroke.
Bottom line - in and of itself, arthritis should not be a show stopper. Since you enjoy swimming, find a way to keep at it - regardless of what the "experts" tell you to do.
Good Luck.
Sayerd,
I am a few years older (65) with alot of miles on my shoulders. Right shoulder has been the culprit for years, so had an x-ray which showed advanced arthritis. I also had some bicep tendonitis which has resolved itself, but the Orthopedic doctor told me I would not be able to do butterfly because of the arthritis unless I had surgery. Much easier to skip butterfly than do surgery. :) I continue to swim 90 minutes a day.
There are other factors that cause shoulder pain besides arthritis. You could have bicep tendonitis (ah MRI would be necessary). You could be aggravating it with certain lifts if you are doing strength training. As has been mentioned, you should start doing rotator cuff exercises (a PT who knows swimming can help) and stretching. And, as was mentioned, have a good stroke technician look at your stroke.
Bottom line - in and of itself, arthritis should not be a show stopper. Since you enjoy swimming, find a way to keep at it - regardless of what the "experts" tell you to do.
Good Luck.
