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.
For several weeks during my rehab, I only swam breaststroke. I actually didn't swim very often. I went to Colonies Zones and swam breaststroke on 2 200 medley relays, 2 400 medley relays, and the individual 100 and 200 *** events. The worst part was trying to warm-up with only kicking and breaststroke.
My PT made me promise not to do free or back because that's when it hurt from the impingment. After she agreed, I started back cautiously.
I have to say my doctor actually listened to me about swimming and competing. Sometimes doctors don't listen to older women.
I complete physical therapy tomorrow. My problem was diagnosed as bursitis, and the inflammation was causing some impingement. Since I have been working hard in the weight room, I was sure the problem was from lifting. My Physical Therapist believes the problem was not what I did, but what I didn't do. About 8 years ago, I was told my rotator cuff was not as strong as it should be for a swimmer. For awhile, I was diligent about using sugical tubing for internal and external rotator exercises. Lately, I have not been consistent. My shoulder was unstable and the movement irritated the bursa. 4 or 5 weeks of PT have strengthened the rotator cuff. I was making progress with heavy doses of Motrin, but since I am going to Federal Way, the doctor and and I decided to try a coritsone shot. I believe the inflammation would have eventually gone away with the Motrin, but the cortisone acted more quickly. The combination of reducing the inflammation and strengthening the rotator cuff has solved the problem. Everyday I repeat "I will do my shoulder exercises regularly. I will do my shoulder exercises regularly..."
Some people feel the cortisone was a mistake, but I'm 65 and it's not like I'll do that again anytime soon. The doctor assured me that it was safe. I look forward to a good meet at Federal Way, although I lost some time with conditioning.
Everyday I repeat "I will do my shoulder exercises regularly. I will do my shoulder exercises regularly..."
ME TOO! My pt told me I would have to do rc exercises for the rest of my life. I didn't beleive her. MISTAKE! It is so true. Whenever I don't do them I get pain and inflammation, etc. I'll start doing them again and usually with time the pain goes away. Around November my shoulder/neck got so bad that I had to just STOP swimmng for 3 months! I kept trying to swim through the pain and ended up really messing myself up. Rich, I think it is better to back off and concentrate on your rc exercises before it gets so bad you have to stop! As long as my rc is strong, I'm almost pain free. YIPPEE! :bouncing:
ME TOO! My pt told me I would have to do rc exercises for the rest of my life. I didn't beleive her. MISTAKE! It is so true. Whenever I don't do them I get pain and inflammation, etc. I'll start doing them again and usually with time the pain goes away. Around November my shoulder/neck got so bad that I had to just STOP swimmng for 3 months! I kept trying to swim through the pain and ended up really messing myself up. Rich, I think it is better to back off and concentrate on your rc exercises before it gets so bad you have to stop! As long as my rc is strong, I'm almost pain free. YIPPEE! :bouncing:
Me too!!! I've been lazy about doing them since zones and have had a tummy virus and am now dragging from allergies. :violin: As a result, my labrum and scapular area hurt a bit. I'm going to lift weights today and do all my RC stuff at the gym. You gotta do 'em. Always.
I figured out that I'm lifting my head slightly so now am focusing on rolling and it seems to work better.
SO yes sloppy form is a big factor but not exclusively.
I complete physical therapy tomorrow. My problem was diagnosed as bursitis, and the inflammation was causing some impingement. Since I have been working hard in the weight room, I was sure the problem was from lifting. My Physical Therapist believes the problem was not what I did, but what I didn't do. About 8 years ago, I was told my rotator cuff was not as strong as it should be for a swimmer. For awhile, I was diligent about using sugical tubing for internal and external rotator exercises. Lately, I have not been consistent. My shoulder was unstable and the movement irritated the bursa. 4 or 5 weeks of PT have strengthened the rotator cuff. I was making progress with heavy doses of Motrin, but since I am going to Federal Way, the doctor and and I decided to try a coritsone shot. I believe the inflammation would have eventually gone away with the Motrin, but the cortisone acted more quickly. The combination of reducing the inflammation and strengthening the rotator cuff has solved the problem. Everyday I repeat "I will do my shoulder exercises regularly. I will do my shoulder exercises regularly..."
Some people feel the cortisone was a mistake, but I'm 65 and it's not like I'll do that again anytime soon. The doctor assured me that it was safe. I look forward to a good meet at Federal Way, although I lost some time with conditioning.
Hey Betsy. I am struggling with that too. If I back way off of swimming will the issue cease and then let me build up the RC. Just curiious if you know from your troubles.
Me too!!! I've been lazy about doing them since zones and have had a tummy virus and am now dragging from allergies. :violin: As a result, my labrum and scapular area hurt a bit. I'm going to lift weights today and do all my RC stuff at the gym. You gotta do 'em. Always.
Yeah I do them and core stabilisers. Good news is working on the rolling/breathing has alleviated a lot of the issue. After a few RC reps my shoulder feels much better.
I don't notice a whole lot of difference between when I am doing the RC exercises and when I do not. When I have stopped for a few weeks and come back, I can still complete the same number of sets/reps without any issues so I don't think that is really my issue. What does get to me though is overworking myself in the pool. A few weeks ago I trained quite hard for 4 days consecutively and by the 4th day I was really hurting. Since then I have gone back to my Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine and things are much better. Consistency seems to be key in the wellbeing of my shoulders.
I've been doing my RC exercises (thanx Beth) and they are helping, but it was mentioned in another thread to practice freestyle with your arms at 10 and 2. It felt better immediately.
I know my arms don't cross centerline, but I am not very flexible. For me arms directly forward may be too much.
Whether it is poor form or not may be body type and age related.
I plan to keep on my RC exercises and work on my shoulder flexibility and add the 10-2 drill.
