I have been swimming almost a year and as I am getting "better" I have been upping my distance and workout frequency.
I have slowly worked my way up to swimming three times a week and the distance is about 1500-2000yds a workout. I mix up intervals and straight swims. Mainly long swims in the summer and intervals in the winter. I think my approach has been rational thus far.
However, my left shoulder has started to bother me. I have made adjustments to my mechanics and as long as I don't let it get out too far from my body I can deal with it. Right now my left arm is really only along for the ride so to speak and I can't really crank on it the way I would like to generate full power.
I have talked with more experienced swimmers who have gone through shoulder issues. I am just working through it and hope it will subside.
What is likely going on in my shoulder? Is it just inflamation? What advice can you give? Should I just work through it at reduced intensity? Any specific workouts in or out of the water to help? I am freestyle only.
Parents
Former Member
Here are some more documentation about shoulder injury prevention (links toward the posts at the bottom of the page)
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
Personnally, I got a beginning of a tendonitis 1.5 years ago. The cause was a lack of warm up combined with an accidental bad and strong sweep. I pulled a muscles in the back of the left shoulder. In subsequent swim sessions, I modified my stroke to accomodate the pain and after 3 months, the area showed signs of a tendonitis talking place.
The pain was very mild but noticable. I got extra careful, seeing a PT, getting off swimming 2 months, and doing all the shoulder strengthening exercises. When I got back to the pool, I was still careful may be the 2, 3 first months not doing any hard sets.
My shoulder troubles were cured for good. The main factors were plentyful rest, strengh exercises and a better awareness of stroke form and especially "shoulder mechanics". Retrospectively, I didn't regret a few months off. Coincidentally, that was at this time that I discovered the benefits of weight training. This really helps me in terms of injury prevention for everyday life and for practicing sports.
From your previous posts, I think you are way above average in terms of conditioning. I am confident you will get over this temporary shoulder problem .
Good luck.
Here are some more documentation about shoulder injury prevention (links toward the posts at the bottom of the page)
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
Personnally, I got a beginning of a tendonitis 1.5 years ago. The cause was a lack of warm up combined with an accidental bad and strong sweep. I pulled a muscles in the back of the left shoulder. In subsequent swim sessions, I modified my stroke to accomodate the pain and after 3 months, the area showed signs of a tendonitis talking place.
The pain was very mild but noticable. I got extra careful, seeing a PT, getting off swimming 2 months, and doing all the shoulder strengthening exercises. When I got back to the pool, I was still careful may be the 2, 3 first months not doing any hard sets.
My shoulder troubles were cured for good. The main factors were plentyful rest, strengh exercises and a better awareness of stroke form and especially "shoulder mechanics". Retrospectively, I didn't regret a few months off. Coincidentally, that was at this time that I discovered the benefits of weight training. This really helps me in terms of injury prevention for everyday life and for practicing sports.
From your previous posts, I think you are way above average in terms of conditioning. I am confident you will get over this temporary shoulder problem .
Good luck.
