While I was swimming 5 miles on Monday (first time doing this distance), my right elbow started hurting and it did again today when doing an easy 2 miles before work. With my arm outstretched, palm facing up, the pain is on the right, outside side of my elbow, which I think might be lateral epicondylitis, as opposed to medial epicondylitis. I will see the NP in the orthopedic/sports medicine office tomorrow. He's the same guy who misdiagnosed my foot injury for months, which eventually required major surgery that put an end to my long-distance running so I will also follow up with a sports medicine specialist, but may not be able to see him until June 23rd.
In the meantime, any tips on the best type of catch and pull that will not put further stress on this part of my elbow?
I'm happy to help! It's good that you're not completely abandoning the idea of working on the early vertical forearm. What you can do is try to work on that specific aspect of your stroke separately (in the form of a drill), so that you won't have to focus too much on it and put undue pressure on your joints during the fullstroke. Once you've honed the concept into your muscle memory, you will be able to incorporate it into the fullstroke more easily. This is a great drill for early vertical forearm. I have my swimmers alternate between fullstroke and this drill every 25 or so. https://vimeo.com/82897160
I'm happy to help! It's good that you're not completely abandoning the idea of working on the early vertical forearm. What you can do is try to work on that specific aspect of your stroke separately (in the form of a drill), so that you won't have to focus too much on it and put undue pressure on your joints during the fullstroke. Once you've honed the concept into your muscle memory, you will be able to incorporate it into the fullstroke more easily. This is a great drill for early vertical forearm. I have my swimmers alternate between fullstroke and this drill every 25 or so. https://vimeo.com/82897160
