Swimming and shoulder arthritis

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

DeniseMW — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 10:11:10 GMT

Thanks, Bill. I am fortunate in that the practice I go to specializes in athletic injuries, though there isn't anyone specifically like Jeremy Vail here. He sounds like a real gem. Thank you for posting the links. The practice I go to is big with a lot of specialists. They're known as the go-to guys for sports injuries of all sorts. I'll see the shoulder specialist in two weeks. If I need to have surgery, which is likely, I'll put it off until the fall. It was such a huge relief to know I can keep swimming, even if it hurts, and that the injury wasn't caused by bad technique. He said it has been a long time in the making, and is probably more related to lifting weights, but not swimming. Honestly, I wanted to cry when he said that. I've been agonizing about what to do if I couldn't go back to swimming. Even if I have to start from square one again I'm happy to know freestyle may hurt but it won't make the injury worse. I'll just have to hit the hot tub after every swim.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

DeniseMW — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:41:10 GMT

Hole in the muscle of my shoulder, say what? Doc says to keep swimming through the pain, so screw it, I'm back in the pool next week until the shoulder specialists says I must, must have arthroscopic surgery to close the hole. Or just live with it pffffffffft.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Bill Sive — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 02:49:19 GMT

Sorry to hear that, however, I swam through the pain on a non-swimming injury and was told I did the right thing. Recently I attended a USMS Coach's Clinic in our LMSC area. One of the speakers was Mr. Jeremy Vail of UCLA. He provided us a generous amount of great information on recovery and injuries. Just a suggestion to seek out someone like Mr. Vail in your area for some extra advice. sportsandspinalpt.com/.../our-staff-jvail.asp dailybruin.com/.../ Good Luck.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

DeniseMW — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 11:47:32 GMT

Thanks fylstorms and Bill. I'm going for an MRI because they can't figure out why my shoulder's still acting up after 2+ months of pt, and all I want is to get back into the pool. Pfffffffft.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

pwolf66 — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 08:07:30 GMT

A once frequent poster on this forum by the name of aquageek is your best resource here on aqua jogging. He shoots, he SCORES!!!!!!! -prw

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Bill Sive — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:57:08 GMT

Bill Sive, can you recommend light fins? I have Speedos and Finis training fins, but I find the weight of both pretty heavy and can only use them for a very short duration or my legs cramp up. Maybe I'm using the fins wrong, but to me they feel pretty heavy compared to my old snorkeling fins. or these ones: www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp or www.swim2000.com/.../

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

flystorms — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 07:39:13 GMT

Denise, these are super light fins that float really well. They may help. www.swimoutlet.com/.../

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Former Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 15:15:16 GMT

A once frequent poster on this forum by the name of aquageek is your best resource here on aqua jogging.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

DeniseMW — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 11:33:55 GMT

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Bill Sive — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 11:27:42 GMT

As previously mentioned, get a second, or third opinion. I am fortunate that my physician is also a swimmer. Regarding fins, if you choose to utilize fins, find some fins that are light and possibly float in the water. Some fins are heavy, and are like dead weight when you use them. When swimming I personally do all four competitive strokes, mostly to avoid the type of situation you are experiencing. My shoulders get the full range not just one over and over again. Repeating what we previously mentioned, utilize yoga keep yourself loose, and strong.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

DeniseMW — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 11:26:07 GMT

I have used and like the Aqua jogger. I can't do more than a few laps because I'm not used to it yet, but as someone who's also going through pt for a shoulder injury, it's been a good way for me to at least get in the water. Here's the website, and fyi, you can add shoes and hand weights for a more aerobic workout: http://www.aquajogger.com/.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Former Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 10:07:26 GMT

I really do appreciate all the comments and suggestions which have been given to me. Because my ultimate goal is aerobic fitness rather than upper body conditioning per se, I'm thinking that using the Aqua Jogger might serve that purpose and spare my shoulders as well as other body parts . Any opinions on that? Thanks, Sy smontanaro is right to advise getting your stroke looked at by a coach who specializes in technique. Additionally, I would advise caution in using the fins that you mention. If you've never used them before, start out sparingly and evaluate the condition of your ankles and knees as you are using them. Overusing fins could also lead to ankle and knee problems, which is not what you are looking for right now! Why not also work on developing your true kick, without the aid of fins? That would benefit you even more and completing kicking sets that do not require the use of the kickboard (which can put strain on the shoulders) would allow you to give your upper body a break and develop the strength of the kick. There are plenty such kicking-related drills you can try (such as kicking@side, for example, or vertical kick). Definitely would not give up on the swimming entirely if at all possible. Good luck!

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Former Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 15:11:30 GMT

A few questions come to mind-- Where is the pain located? Who told you to stop swimming? And what did your PT consist of? Many of us have osteoarthritis in our shoulders, yet we continue to swim (and compete). If the pain is due to impingement, as it often is, a dryland program designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the shoulder blades can be very effective over time. Ten years ago I could not swim more than 1500 yards without developing pain in my left shoulder; an MRI showed osteoarthritis but no tears in either the rotator cuff or the labrum. Every individual is different, of course, but it might be worthwhile seeking a second opinion as others have suggested. And addressing your stroke technique is critical.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Swimspire — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:48:43 GMT

smontanaro is right to advise getting your stroke looked at by a coach who specializes in technique. Additionally, I would advise caution in using the fins that you mention. If you've never used them before, start out sparingly and evaluate the condition of your ankles and knees as you are using them. Overusing fins could also lead to ankle and knee problems, which is not what you are looking for right now! Why not also work on developing your true kick, without the aid of fins? That would benefit you even more and completing kicking sets that do not require the use of the kickboard (which can put strain on the shoulders) would allow you to give your upper body a break and develop the strength of the kick. There are plenty such kicking-related drills you can try (such as kicking@side, for example, or vertical kick). Definitely would not give up on the swimming entirely if at all possible. Good luck!

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

smontanaro — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 08:58:40 GMT

I recently was advised that due to severe osteoarthritis in both my shoulders that I stop that swimming. A few things come to mind: I agree with the response that you might want to get a second opinion. If possible, get someone knowledgeable to critique your stroke. It's possible that with some adjustments (more rotation, for example) that you can continue to swim freestyle. I find that breaststroke, especially if my pull is pretty short (not much more than a scull), is easier on my shoulders than free.

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Former Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 10:05:15 GMT

Hi Karl, The bottom line for me is that when I swim freestyle the rotational movement causes me pain for days. I have had MRIs which show significant arthritic deterioration in both shoulders, particularly the left one. I have undergone several rounds of P.T., as well as meds and the usual stuff and can't think of any other way to swim using my upper body. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. sytech I am a 67 year old male who has enjoyed swimming freestyle for years as method of exercise to keep fit. I recently was advised that due to severe osteoarthritis in both my shoulders that I stop that swimming. I was thinking of using those short stubby fins in the pool to propel myself with my quads in order to get a decent workout without having to rely too much on my upper body. Was wondering if anyone can provide me with feedback on this situation. Thanks , sytech

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

__steve__ — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 08:47:14 GMT

Front mount snorkel with fins can get you moving around at a good speed

RE: Swimming and shoulder arthritis

Karl_S — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 02:45:18 GMT

I am a 67 year old male who has enjoyed swimming freestyle for years as method of exercise to keep fit. I recently was advised that due to severe osteoarthritis in both my shoulders that I stop that swimming. I was thinking of using those short stubby fins in the pool to propel myself with my quads in order to get a decent workout without having to rely too much on my upper body. Was wondering if anyone can provide me with feedback on this situation. Thanks , sytech My immediate thought is that you need another opinion! The fins idea sounds sensible. There are strokes other than freestyle that you might enjoy working on. Maybe the situation can be improved with some yoga, therapy exercises, heat, drugs... I'm no physician, but I would not stop swimming without checking out other options thoroughly.