Hello all. New member here, new swimmer but lifelong gym rat. As I move from weightroom and basketball court into the pool, I've injured/torn the muscle that attaches to my collarbone while learning the breaststroke.
Is this common?
How long should I stay away from the pool?
I iced my shoulder-neck area after the injury occurred - should I continue to do so in the ensuing days?
I take swim lessons but won't see my instructor again for two weeks, with the holidays and all.
I think I can still exercise with a kickboard, but it's a little discouraging to get hurt right away after trying to leave behind the sore back and knees and elbows of my former fitness life!
Steven
Parents
Former Member
Sorry to hear that Steve I'm a breaststroker too and I would be crushed to tear something that impacted my stroke.
I'd say rest it good and long until it feels ready.
I'm no doc but kick boards shouldn't hurt as long as you're not straining your arm and shoulder while you do kicks with the board it's probably OK. Maybe you can experiment to find a way to be comfortable.
Take it easy anyhow, but doing something in the water may stop you from feeling down about the injury.
Remember if you've not really been a swimmer before don't approach it like you would your routine weights etc..muscles are probably "pre-armed" for other movements and you caught them a bit off guard.
;)
Sorry to hear that Steve I'm a breaststroker too and I would be crushed to tear something that impacted my stroke.
I'd say rest it good and long until it feels ready.
I'm no doc but kick boards shouldn't hurt as long as you're not straining your arm and shoulder while you do kicks with the board it's probably OK. Maybe you can experiment to find a way to be comfortable.
Take it easy anyhow, but doing something in the water may stop you from feeling down about the injury.
Remember if you've not really been a swimmer before don't approach it like you would your routine weights etc..muscles are probably "pre-armed" for other movements and you caught them a bit off guard.
;)
