Hey Y'all --
I used to be a runner. After decades of accumulating running injuries, I've given it up. Since last May I started swimming for exercise, am starting to get the hang of it.
Need your advice with something. My shoulders ache for a few days after a swim. It seems to be the rotator cuffs. I believe it is caused by the shoulder joint feeling like it wants to "pop" when I start a pull from full extended position (any stroke). Possibly the muscles that oppose the pull need strengthening(?).
Here's what I am thinking of doing. (1) Continue to swim, but go easy for a while. (2) Be sure to warm up, cool down, and stretch. (3) Ice down the shoulders after swim and before bedtime. (4) Do some 5 pound dumbbell work with the shoulder muscles, go to 10 pounds next week. (5) Advil.
Question: Does this look like a reasonable plan? Any other advice?
Thanks!!
RC
Parents
Former Member
R.C.
I agree with Paul that there might be some fine tuning necessary in your technique if there's a consistent sign of pain, particularly if it's in one arm versus both. Sometimes a quick adjustment is all that's necessary.
This web site address was passed along by one of our coach members, and has some very helpful information in the event you don't get involved with a local masters swim club.
(www.svl.ch/svlimmat_ratind.html
Speaking from personal experience, it took about four weeks to rid myself of a similar sholder problem which came about from overuse of paddles. And I agree with Paul that five pound weights should be the limit in simple shoulder exercises. You'ld be suprised at how heavy they seem after a short while.
R.C.
I agree with Paul that there might be some fine tuning necessary in your technique if there's a consistent sign of pain, particularly if it's in one arm versus both. Sometimes a quick adjustment is all that's necessary.
This web site address was passed along by one of our coach members, and has some very helpful information in the event you don't get involved with a local masters swim club.
(www.svl.ch/svlimmat_ratind.html
Speaking from personal experience, it took about four weeks to rid myself of a similar sholder problem which came about from overuse of paddles. And I agree with Paul that five pound weights should be the limit in simple shoulder exercises. You'ld be suprised at how heavy they seem after a short while.
