Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:54:06 GMT

Hi all! The verdict is in! I have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury. I have been banned from swimming anything but breaststroke for about a month. :(

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:43:00 GMT

To me, doing pt to "strengthen the shoulder" doesn't always make sense. Swimmers' shoulders are over-used and abused, but they are not weak. Isn't that a swimmer's signature: big, strong shoulders? If you can even contemplate doing a set of 200s fly, I bet your shoulders are already pretty darn strong - tired, but strong. Post-blowout would require some rest and then easing back into a routine (and doing fewer 200s fly). Of course, if something is torn or broken... follow doctor's orders.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:24:16 GMT

I'm getting the arm checked out this coming Tuesday, so once it's figured out, I can provide a full update! Hopefully I can return to swimming soon, as I need to keep practicing for my swim instructor's position.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:07:28 GMT

To me, doing pt to "strengthen the shoulder" doesn't always make sense. If they said it more accurately it would be "Strengthen the postural and auxilliary muscles taht will protect you from injury." When I used to walk 4 miles a day, and take ballet and African dance classes, I had a similar reaction to a PT that told me they needed to strengthen my leg muscles. The PT worked.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:46:26 GMT

Be careful. Once cleared, maybe strengthening and flexibility exercises, anyone? This is what I was thinking... get that shoulder strengthened up before attemping that again. Also work on it to make sure proper technique is being observed.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:50:41 GMT

Hope everything is ok. If rest is not an option for you I would do some cross training that didn't involve any lifting or pulling of the arm until you get the all clear from your doctor. Good luck with it all.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

__steve__ — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:09:14 GMT

Be careful. Once cleared, maybe strengthening and flexibility exercises, anyone?

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Rich Abrahams — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 01:43:54 GMT

Sounds like a partial dislocation (subluxation). This happened to me in 2005 and it tore my labrum. Give it some rest. I would not kick with a board at all. You can vertical kick with elbows tucked at your sides. If it doesn't feel better in a couple of weeks see an ortho doc. Once it is healed see a good PT re tightening and strengthening your shoulder girdle.

RE: Swimming with a Shoulder Injury

Former Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:04:37 GMT

Kick board and watch how you hold the board. don't stress the shoulder by holding the board way out in front of you. hug to your chest area and wrap forearms UNDER the board.