Swimming Uninjured..Is it possible?

Former Member
Former Member
I have been swimming for 50 years and have had 3 swim injuries. I know of some great, great swimmers who have been doing the same and remain untouched. How do they do this? If it is because their greatness is due to technique, they sure need to share. But I also wonder if it is because they swim smart, train smart, know their limitations and train accordingly. Do they listen to their bodies first and train second? Something many people don't do, me included in the past. I've watched Laura Val (The Machine) and heard of Susan Heim Brown. I am amazed. Is it also stroke related?. I know I swam only backstroke for 40 years and voila, 1993 rotator cuff surgery; 1995 impingement surgery; 1996 torn SI joint (sigh). And I learned technique very early on by world class coaches and swimmers; we did all the right things and were doing hip rotation back in the 60s before a lot of swimming folks were doing it. Any thoughts on how this comes to be for some and not others? Donna
Parents
  • I have to believe that chronic injuries are some how rooted in genetic make up/predisposition. I was rarely injured in college/post college except when I was doing something stupid (jumping on a trampoline after a few to many beers)..... And in fact the very things that may have at an early age helped may now be hurting....primarily hyper-flexibility which the docs tell me now has contributed in a big way to the overuse injuries I've had that led to 2 shoulder surgeries and two knee surgeries. John & I have talked about this a ton lately as we both struggle with high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc......genetics plays such a huge part of this stuff I can't believe it doesn't for overuse injuries as well..
Reply
  • I have to believe that chronic injuries are some how rooted in genetic make up/predisposition. I was rarely injured in college/post college except when I was doing something stupid (jumping on a trampoline after a few to many beers)..... And in fact the very things that may have at an early age helped may now be hurting....primarily hyper-flexibility which the docs tell me now has contributed in a big way to the overuse injuries I've had that led to 2 shoulder surgeries and two knee surgeries. John & I have talked about this a ton lately as we both struggle with high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc......genetics plays such a huge part of this stuff I can't believe it doesn't for overuse injuries as well..
Children
No Data