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
I played water polo for years as well as swimming.I also played tennis.This has damaged my right shoulder to some degree.When I got back into swimming competitively at 33 my shoulder would constantly play up.I rarely get problems now and have learnt the following.
a back off sooner ...don't fight on.....rest or minimise the sessions.Use zoomers/fins when inflammation starts.they take weight off the shoulders and really work the lower half.do a kick session.it's often over looked as an option.
b dont place weight too early in the catch(outstretched).Focus on emphasising the weight at the back end of the stroke.Particularly when using paddles.
c focus on good body rotation.
d dont use paddles unless you have great technique
e dont use paddles for sprints or when tired.
f do stretch exercises at least twice a week
I played water polo for years as well as swimming.I also played tennis.This has damaged my right shoulder to some degree.When I got back into swimming competitively at 33 my shoulder would constantly play up.I rarely get problems now and have learnt the following.
a back off sooner ...don't fight on.....rest or minimise the sessions.Use zoomers/fins when inflammation starts.they take weight off the shoulders and really work the lower half.do a kick session.it's often over looked as an option.
b dont place weight too early in the catch(outstretched).Focus on emphasising the weight at the back end of the stroke.Particularly when using paddles.
c focus on good body rotation.
d dont use paddles unless you have great technique
e dont use paddles for sprints or when tired.
f do stretch exercises at least twice a week
