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.
I started incorporating strengthening excercises. I think my problem is that my left shoulder and elbow are "worn out" from throwing all my life. I am 41 years old. The good news is I never had an acute shoulder injury and the problem is not preventing me from swimming. I am a lefty and my left arm obviously was my stronger arm. However, my right shoulder is not even phased by the swimming, which leads me to believe that the left shoulder problems are from previous weakening.
Hopefully I can work through it with the excercises.
For those who are responding, are your shoulder problems from previous sports? Left shoulder/right shoulder/ both? Are you left/righty? Just trying to find a pattern.
I started incorporating strengthening excercises. I think my problem is that my left shoulder and elbow are "worn out" from throwing all my life. I am 41 years old. The good news is I never had an acute shoulder injury and the problem is not preventing me from swimming. I am a lefty and my left arm obviously was my stronger arm. However, my right shoulder is not even phased by the swimming, which leads me to believe that the left shoulder problems are from previous weakening.
Hopefully I can work through it with the excercises.
For those who are responding, are your shoulder problems from previous sports? Left shoulder/right shoulder/ both? Are you left/righty? Just trying to find a pattern.
