I have done something to my hip, I think thanks to the abductor/adductor Nautilus machine, followed by a few weeks of lots of fly and breaststroke kicking drills. In any event, since you guys out there in Masters land have been exceedingly helpful about various aches and pains in the past, I am wondering if any other swimmers have experienced this, and if so, what is the best way to hasten its retreat.
I tried doing some swimming with a pull buoy this afternoon, but the slight effort required to keep the float between my legs seemed to hurt the hip. I'm wondering if this is one of those strain injuries that will get better regardless of whether you rest it or not. I've been taking ibuprofen and icing the area, both of which help a little. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I'd like to second Greg's statement regarding chiropractors vs. orthopedic surgeons and other specialists. I think what you want in any kind of healer is someone who understands the injury, the psychology of the injured, and the best "first, do no harm" remedies for the condition.
I interview lots of doctors for various articles I write for GQ, Modern Maturity, etc., and I've come to believe that sports injuries in particular need to be treated by someone who understands how important sports participation is to the injured athlete. I'm convinced that a good physical trainer, for instance, with expertise in specific sports, and who really understands how to rehab a wounded part, is likely going to do a much better job than a "top" orthopedic surgeon who makes the lion's share of his/her money from wielding the knife.
I don't mean to be stereotyping here--plenty of orthopedic surgeons are athletes themselves, understand how important getting back in the pool is to us swimmers, and send their patients to rehab without knee-jerk surgery. Conversely, I suspect there are chiropractors out there who have not kept up with current trends in sports medicine/rehab, and apply a cookie cutter "manipulation" approach to all their patients.
Greg has e-mailed me advice, and I am extremely grateful for this. If I lived in Knoxville, I wouldn't hesitate to consult with him about this injury because it is obvious that he understands swimming and could help me rehab my hip and return as quickly as possible to active participation. His academic credentials, in my opinion, are not the critical factor but rather his wholistic approach that emphasizes stretching and rehab.
I'd like to second Greg's statement regarding chiropractors vs. orthopedic surgeons and other specialists. I think what you want in any kind of healer is someone who understands the injury, the psychology of the injured, and the best "first, do no harm" remedies for the condition.
I interview lots of doctors for various articles I write for GQ, Modern Maturity, etc., and I've come to believe that sports injuries in particular need to be treated by someone who understands how important sports participation is to the injured athlete. I'm convinced that a good physical trainer, for instance, with expertise in specific sports, and who really understands how to rehab a wounded part, is likely going to do a much better job than a "top" orthopedic surgeon who makes the lion's share of his/her money from wielding the knife.
I don't mean to be stereotyping here--plenty of orthopedic surgeons are athletes themselves, understand how important getting back in the pool is to us swimmers, and send their patients to rehab without knee-jerk surgery. Conversely, I suspect there are chiropractors out there who have not kept up with current trends in sports medicine/rehab, and apply a cookie cutter "manipulation" approach to all their patients.
Greg has e-mailed me advice, and I am extremely grateful for this. If I lived in Knoxville, I wouldn't hesitate to consult with him about this injury because it is obvious that he understands swimming and could help me rehab my hip and return as quickly as possible to active participation. His academic credentials, in my opinion, are not the critical factor but rather his wholistic approach that emphasizes stretching and rehab.
