Well, it's back - that darned medial epicondylitis. On both elbows, too. This is about the 3rd or 4th time. Each time it happens I go to kick sets or bike until the pain is gone; I also do every wrist and forearm exercise I can imagine (grips, wrist curls, rotator and stabilizer exercises). I've tried swimming closed-fisted. I've tried using forearms braces. I've cut out *** stroke altogether. The last few weeks leading up to the re-injury I did nothing but very eeeaassy sidestroke (left side over, right side back). Must I conclude that I just don't have the arms to be even a modest fitness swimmer?
Thanks, y'all.
Parents
Former Member
I've had to deal with elbow pain for pretty much my whole swimming career because of an accident I had when I was a kid. There are usually 2 things that cause my "tendonitis" to act up: 1) trying to be macho in the weight room and lifting more weight than I should be, and 2) a breakdown in my technique similar to the one msgrupp has experienced.
#1 doesn't happen very much anymore as I like to think I'm getting wise as I get older. #2 happens quite often, mostly when I get fatigued during a distance set. I make it a point to do some kind of freestlye drill in every workout I do. There has to be something in the pull phase of your stroke that is causing your pain. It might be worth it to hire a private coach for a couple of sessions to analyze your stroke.
In the meantime lay off of the pull buoys and paddles (if you use them), make sure to fully warmup in each workout, and try experimenting with fins. The fins will allow you to swim at your normal speed while putting less pressure on the joints in your arms.
I've had to deal with elbow pain for pretty much my whole swimming career because of an accident I had when I was a kid. There are usually 2 things that cause my "tendonitis" to act up: 1) trying to be macho in the weight room and lifting more weight than I should be, and 2) a breakdown in my technique similar to the one msgrupp has experienced.
#1 doesn't happen very much anymore as I like to think I'm getting wise as I get older. #2 happens quite often, mostly when I get fatigued during a distance set. I make it a point to do some kind of freestlye drill in every workout I do. There has to be something in the pull phase of your stroke that is causing your pain. It might be worth it to hire a private coach for a couple of sessions to analyze your stroke.
In the meantime lay off of the pull buoys and paddles (if you use them), make sure to fully warmup in each workout, and try experimenting with fins. The fins will allow you to swim at your normal speed while putting less pressure on the joints in your arms.
