So it would seem my low back is getting better now that I'm not overdoing the kickboard. I've since just switched to simple freestyle, doing about 10-20 touch and goes with fins and webbed gloves.
Last week my right neck and shoulder had been bothering me as a result and it doesn't seem to be going away despite me doing stretching every day.
So to date, since I have started swimming a few months ago I have had low back pain, elbow pain and now neck/shoulder pain. Everyone raves about how "low impact" swimming is- and I'd be happy to believe that because I am LOVING this new exercise- but I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something terribly wrong or is this just something I need to "power through" as a newbie who is developing new muscle usage?
I really hope I can get through this because swimming is so fun and my heart rate and BP have been amazing since I started in this very short time.
Just because swimming may be low impact is NOT the same as saying that it is not stressful to the muscles and ligaments. I haven't been using many aids or toys, myself. I noticed some new muscle aches in my back, shoulders and a bit of neck stiffness, too. Stretching is a really great idea, I think, but, if you haven't previously done any strength training or other sort of muscle conditioning work, you probably are going to put strains on ligaments and muscles that aren't ready for it.
I have read that shoulder injuries are pretty common in swimmers. I think the bouyancy of water makes us feel as though we are like kids again, but, we're Masters, probably NOT flexible, agile kids. I think we need to be smart about this new love. I think you're reminding me, that it's important to stretch as well as shower when I get to the pool, and I hope you can find ways to enjoy the swimming without tearing yourself down too!
Just because swimming may be low impact is NOT the same as saying that it is not stressful to the muscles and ligaments. I haven't been using many aids or toys, myself. I noticed some new muscle aches in my back, shoulders and a bit of neck stiffness, too. Stretching is a really great idea, I think, but, if you haven't previously done any strength training or other sort of muscle conditioning work, you probably are going to put strains on ligaments and muscles that aren't ready for it.
I have read that shoulder injuries are pretty common in swimmers. I think the bouyancy of water makes us feel as though we are like kids again, but, we're Masters, probably NOT flexible, agile kids. I think we need to be smart about this new love. I think you're reminding me, that it's important to stretch as well as shower when I get to the pool, and I hope you can find ways to enjoy the swimming without tearing yourself down too!
