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
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..
Paul, you hit the nail right on the head! I am very flexible in all of my joints. I can't help but believe that it helped me when I was younger but makes it difficult now. My shoulder doctor that did my surgery used to call me "loosey goosey" (don't start Rich! :lolup: )
because ALL of my joints were loose. I have also had knee problems in the past - put a halt to my triathaloning/running days. I have to be ever vigilant in doing my rotator cuff exercises. If I'm not..my shoulder/neck/back lets me know! Gosh they ARE BORING and I'm so sick of them but....it beats the heck out of not swimming and being in pain!
I've also found the same thing Donna has.....I HAVE to have a LOOONNNGG easy warm-up. If I get in and put the hammer down too soon, I hurt.
I also have started taking a supplement called Joint Promotion. It seems to be helping! SO FAR,SO GOOD! :banana:
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..
Paul, you hit the nail right on the head! I am very flexible in all of my joints. I can't help but believe that it helped me when I was younger but makes it difficult now. My shoulder doctor that did my surgery used to call me "loosey goosey" (don't start Rich! :lolup: )
because ALL of my joints were loose. I have also had knee problems in the past - put a halt to my triathaloning/running days. I have to be ever vigilant in doing my rotator cuff exercises. If I'm not..my shoulder/neck/back lets me know! Gosh they ARE BORING and I'm so sick of them but....it beats the heck out of not swimming and being in pain!
I've also found the same thing Donna has.....I HAVE to have a LOOONNNGG easy warm-up. If I get in and put the hammer down too soon, I hurt.
I also have started taking a supplement called Joint Promotion. It seems to be helping! SO FAR,SO GOOD! :banana:
