I have a jacked-up LPHC which I suspect is at least partially the result of my having aggressively lifted weights with improper form in my early 20s. My right spinal erector is extremely short and overdeveloped and my right lat very tight, which results in my right leg being slightly shorter than my left, which results in knee pain and shoulders that tend to tilt to the right, and...well, it's a mess.
Yes, yes, I know: I should see a physical therapist. But money's tight and, probably more relevantly, I'm being a big *** about the prospect of hearing the diagnosis. I have the NASM cert, at least, so I have at least a basic idea of what's going on anatomically, and how to address it with exercise.
Anyway, are any of you like me in that you swim because you must--because you have some intolerable problem for which it seems to be the best remedy? I've swum almost every day for the last two months, and while I like to tell myself that's because I'm Mr. Discipline, I'm really behaving more like a painkiller addict who still has chronic pain. I rarely get frustrated if I seem not to be improving, because being a good swimmer is not my primary concern. Alleviating the pain and tension is, and that happens without fail.
Yeah, I was a compulsive runner from the mid 70s through 2015, 25-40 miles per week, 5, 6, even 7 days a week. Then in 2015 I developed a spinal problem, spondylolisthesis, a shifting of the vertebrae which pinched a nerve and ended my running. So I substituted swimming for running. But I only swim 2 or 3 days a week. It's not nearly as convenient as putting on sneakers and going out the door. You need to get to a pool or lake and they are not available 24 hrs a day.
I am not answering your question directly, but I would like to add that to my knowlwedge, many/most people have one leg shorter than the other. I had sciatica problems for several years and nothing worked to relieve it, including a (painful) cortizone shot. Finally a chiropractor gave me a 1/4 inch lift that I have worn for over 40 years in my right shoe. Have not had sciatica problems since!!!
One of my swimmers, Norm, started swimming when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a runner, he was desperate to find a sport that he could practice even while battling his disease. Today, he swims regularly and the sport has evolved from being a necessity to something that he truly enjoys and feels challenged by! Here's the link to Norm's story: www.swimspire.com/.../
goatboy,
My reply has nothing to do with your question and everything to do with "I'm being a big B***" about the prospect"...
I find this particular post completely inappropriate in a public forum. It may be the way you talk with your same-age friends. BUT, it smacks of poor upbringing and decorum.
Just my professional opinion - I would avoid this kind of language in future posts.
Paul Windrath
I enjoy swimming anyway, but in some ways it's a replacement for jogging, which I can't do because of arthritis in both knees. If I could jog, it would make life slightly easier, but swimming isn't a hardship.
Yeah, I was a compulsive runner from the mid 70s through 2015, 25-40 miles per week, 5, 6, even 7 days a week. Then in 2015 I developed a spinal problem, spondylolisthesis, a shifting of the vertebrae which pinched a nerve and ended my running. So I substituted swimming for running. But I only swim 2 or 3 days a week. It's not nearly as convenient as putting on sneakers and going out the door. You need to get to a pool or lake and they are not available 24 hrs a day.
How does swimming affect your spinal problem? Does it seem to reduce it, or does it simply not worsen it?
And yeah, getting to the pool (and listening to derpy meatheads "conversing" in the locker room, and all of that) is a pain. I've never regretted going, though, even if time was so short that I only got ten minutes in the pool.
One of my swimmers, Norm, started swimming when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a runner, he was desperate to find a sport that he could practice even while battling his disease. Today, he swims regularly and the sport has evolved from being a necessity to something that he truly enjoys and feels challenged by! Here's the link to Norm's story: www.swimspire.com/.../
Thank you. I loved reading that. Exactly the kind of thing I was looking for.
I'll bet he's made some excellent progress, considering his limitations, by showing up so consistently. I like to believe I've been doing the same.
I am not answering your question directly, but I would like to add that to my knowlwedge, many/most people have one leg shorter than the other. I had sciatica problems for several years and nothing worked to relieve it, including a (painful) cortizone shot. Finally a chiropractor gave me a 1/4 inch lift that I have worn for over 40 years in my right shoe. Have not had sciatica problems since!!!
Interesting. Maybe I should try something along those lines.
Ever try yoga? I enjoy yoga poses that involve standing on one foot because they temporarily relieve me of the imbalance. I like to alternate between swimming laps and doing yoga in the sauna or steam room.
Hey Goatboy!
If I don't swim regularly, I feel "off" in a number of ways. I have to swim about every two to three days at a minimum or else the following will occur:
- My Blood Pressure rises significantly
- My bad cholesterol rises
- My muscles tighten up
- My neck and back bug me (not terribly, but it's noticeable)
As I aged, I found swimming to be a great way to manage the above without relying on medications.
Not sure if this qualifies as "have to" but it sure is a "want to"!
...Anyway, are any of you like me in that you swim because you must--because you have some intolerable problem for which it seems to be the best remedy?....
Yes. The intolerable problem is me, or more specifically, my mind. :) After taking a 30+ year taper I came back to swimming and realized it was a necessity in my life. Perhaps for my life. It's the best exercise for me, makes me happy, keeps the weight-creep away, and generally is something I'm not entirely sure how I went so many decades without.
As others have said, it's also an exercise I can do a lot of without having to deal with aches and pains that come with things like running or jogging which in my case could create intolerable problems.
And of great importance to me it's something I can do for the rest of my life, unlike many sports and exercises where the older you get the harder it gets until you basically have to stop. Not with swimming.
