Hi all, this problem has bothered me quite a long time. I have keep swimming for almost one year. I always breath to my right side. Recently I tried to breath to both sides. It is really hard to break the old habit. Finally I can breath to both sides (breath once per three strokes). But still there are problems. I can't do breathing once per two strokes to my left side (to right side it is ok). I will feel tired quickly if I do that. Also when I do the breathing to both sides (breath once per three strokes), there is an obvious diffence between the two sides. Breathing to my right side, there is a powerful thrust (at least I think so) when my right hand enters the water after finishing the breath. While breathing to my left side, there is nothing like that. So now I am confused, should I keep on working to make both sides equal, which I feel is almost impossible, or go back to the old way? If I go back to my old way, will it cause any problem? i.e. distorted spine, which is horrible.
Sorry for my nasty English.
Originally posted by PeirsolFan
Most people are not built like and cannot perform like Olympic athletes. An "us and them" comparison is not reasonable. There will be rare exceptions.
I agree we can't perform like them, but we certainly can, and should, emulate their strokes if we want to swim faster. Therefore an us and them comparison is reasonable.
Originally posted by A.K.
I breathe every 3rd, however when tired or trying to get extra power I will breathe on my right side--however it is my Right shoulder that has major problems- this would go against the theory that lope siding impacts the opposite shoulder.
A.K.
I have the same problem. I guess your right hand have to pull really quickly and hard when you breath to your right side. Check the video of Grant Hacket or V.D.H(Hoogenband? I have trouble with this guy's name, sigh.).
Originally posted by PeirsolFan
Swimmer's shoulder, one of the most common complaints, is fairly basic in it's cause: overuse.
Actually, I don't believe it's that simple. The current thinking is that there is a muscle imbalance in many (most?) cases. If it were just a result of overuse, why doesn't it resolve with rest?
Originally posted by gull80
Actually, I don't believe it's that simple. The current thinking is that there is a muscle imbalance in many (most?) cases. If it were just a result of overuse, why doesn't it resolve with rest?
Done over a long period of time, there will be long term consequences like bruised rotator cuffs. When you say rest, you mean in a sling and allowed a full 6 weeks of non-use to recover, right?
I have yet to meet anyone who could completely adhere to a doctor's orders. As my surgeon said, being told to sit on the couch or sidelines is like being given a death sentence - few patients accept it and actually rest.
Originally posted by knelson
I agree we can't perform like them, but we certainly can, and should, emulate their strokes if we want to swim faster. Therefore an us and them comparison is reasonable.
That's why we have "stroke modification." People move differently so emulation can lead to disaster. Phelps and most other Olympians can probably pass a Neer test. It would be interesting to find out the ankle range of motion and number of impingements and inflexibilities they suffer. The number is probably quite small.
Originally posted by PeirsolFan
Phelps and most other Olympians can probably pass a Neer test.
As can Masters swimmers with healthy shoulders.
The term swimmer's shoulder usually refers to an impingement syndrome with tendinitis, rather than bruising of the rotator cuff. It shouldn't be considered an inevitable consequence of swimming.
By rest I meant avoiding the activity that caused the problem; I did not mean immobilization.
My Doctor told me not to swim as my tendons were frayed two days before a 32 mile race. I modified my stroke and came 3rd, I needed the prize money. Stroke modification alone can solve most shoulder problems.
