I started swimming Master's 6 weeks ago (after not swimming for 15 years) as part of a weight loss program. I've lost 75 pounds in the last 15 weeks on Jenny Craig and currently weigh 250lbs. I swam DIV I in college 15 years ago and am trying to learn the, "New Style" of swimming.
I started doing double practices 10 days ago (7,500 yds/day) and have developed tendonitis in both shoulders (it's worse in my right). I have gotten much faster and feel great and don't want to stop swimming cold turkey.
Are there any suggestions for what I should do? Does anyone know of a good sports Dr. or PT in the Fort Worth, TX area I could go see? I'm currently strectching and icing 3 times a day and have cut down to 1 hr of swimming a day (as of 6/11/03). I don't want to give up this passion I have regainned. Are there new therapies or rehab exercises someone could suggest?
Thank you!
Parents
Former Member
I agree with the other 2 posters--too much too fast = shoulder problems.
The poster right above me though had a good suggestion--sleeping position! If you're a tummy sleeper DON"T wrap both arms around the pillow your head is resting on. This helps cause shoulder impingement syndrome. The best position, of course is on your back with pillows supporting your arms but not thrown up over your head.
Try sleeping, if on the tummy, with your ELBOWS LOWER than your shoulders. This will prevent the "jamming" effect of the humerus on your collarbone (my geography may be poor!). BUT--I've given this suggestion to others with early shoulder problems and it HAS helped. AGAIN--ELBOWS LOWER THAN THE SHOULDERS!!!! It's one variable that you can control while waiting for a doctor's appointment and training.
Also--stopping at an orthopedic surgeon or sports med specialist to get checked out is a good idea. You have no idea of the damage you may be causing your rotator cuff which is probably badly out of shape after 15 years. Exercises may be very beneficial along with some drug help.
Also--have someone check out your technique. I got into trouble
the summer of 1988 due to poor stroke mechanics and have been paying (meaning pain and surgery) ever since.
I agree with the other 2 posters--too much too fast = shoulder problems.
The poster right above me though had a good suggestion--sleeping position! If you're a tummy sleeper DON"T wrap both arms around the pillow your head is resting on. This helps cause shoulder impingement syndrome. The best position, of course is on your back with pillows supporting your arms but not thrown up over your head.
Try sleeping, if on the tummy, with your ELBOWS LOWER than your shoulders. This will prevent the "jamming" effect of the humerus on your collarbone (my geography may be poor!). BUT--I've given this suggestion to others with early shoulder problems and it HAS helped. AGAIN--ELBOWS LOWER THAN THE SHOULDERS!!!! It's one variable that you can control while waiting for a doctor's appointment and training.
Also--stopping at an orthopedic surgeon or sports med specialist to get checked out is a good idea. You have no idea of the damage you may be causing your rotator cuff which is probably badly out of shape after 15 years. Exercises may be very beneficial along with some drug help.
Also--have someone check out your technique. I got into trouble
the summer of 1988 due to poor stroke mechanics and have been paying (meaning pain and surgery) ever since.
