I read an interesting article in The Physician and Sports Medicine which is relevant to those of us with swimmer's shoulder. Apparently the term chronic tendinitis is a misnomer in that there is very little inflammation in this condition; the preferred term is tendinosis (or tendinopathy). The cause is thought to be repetitive activity and microtrauma (as well as age related tendon degeneration).
Why is this distinction important? If it is not an inflammatory condition, antiinflammatory drugs are not necessary and may be detrimental by interfering with the healing process. Tylenol may be preferable as an analgesic (and has fewer side effects). Also recommended: (relative) rest, since tendons require more time to heal and the repair process needs to keep pace with the microinjuries, and strengthening exercises (added later) as these seem to accelerate and optimize the repair process.
Parents
Former Member
You should probably limit yourself to kicking for awhile if it was that bad. When you try swimming again, avoid paddles and butterfly. You might try swimming with fins to relieve some of the stress on your shoulders. And, as they say on TV, if pain persists consult your physician.
You should probably limit yourself to kicking for awhile if it was that bad. When you try swimming again, avoid paddles and butterfly. You might try swimming with fins to relieve some of the stress on your shoulders. And, as they say on TV, if pain persists consult your physician.
