Are shoulder injuries caused solely by improper stroke mechanics? Can we avoid all pain using perfect technique? Can we throw away the ice pack forever? Or can shoulder pain be caused by other factors as well? Vote if you have an opinion.
I don't understand why you, as a coach, seem to minimize the importance of anatomical factors. It is well-recognized (in the medical literature) that shoulder impingement in many cases results from a muscle imbalance, hence the emphasis on strengthening the rotator cuff and stabilizing the scapula. The shoulder joint, unlike the hip, is not a "ball in socket"; rather, the head of the humerus is suspended by surrounding muscles and ligaments. As we age, muscles weaken, ligaments dessicate, joint spaces narrow--independent of our technique. Consequently, I believe all Masters swimmers (injured or not) should adhere to a home exercise program that maintains the health of the shoulder joint and allows them to keep swimming (with proper technique, of course).
Gull, I completely agree. Even though I have swam competitively for almost 32 years off and on, I did not have shoulder problems until the past 5-6 years. My technique has not changed. My body (shoulder joint especially) has just "aged".
I don't understand why you, as a coach, seem to minimize the importance of anatomical factors. It is well-recognized (in the medical literature) that shoulder impingement in many cases results from a muscle imbalance, hence the emphasis on strengthening the rotator cuff and stabilizing the scapula. The shoulder joint, unlike the hip, is not a "ball in socket"; rather, the head of the humerus is suspended by surrounding muscles and ligaments. As we age, muscles weaken, ligaments dessicate, joint spaces narrow--independent of our technique. Consequently, I believe all Masters swimmers (injured or not) should adhere to a home exercise program that maintains the health of the shoulder joint and allows them to keep swimming (with proper technique, of course).
Gull, I completely agree. Even though I have swam competitively for almost 32 years off and on, I did not have shoulder problems until the past 5-6 years. My technique has not changed. My body (shoulder joint especially) has just "aged".
