Here is something new (the document states 9/24/07) from the USA Swimming site by George T. Edelman, MPT, OCS, MTC: Shoulder Stretching: Helpful or Harmful? (Accompanying PowerPoint)
The conclusion is:
• Cognitive shift in stretching programs
• Stretching is athlete specific
• Shoulder stretches that target the glenohumeral joint capsule can be harmful to the swimmer and are strongly discouraged
• Stretches that target the muscle tissue and respect the musculo-tendon unit - encouraged
Naturally, according to George, I've been doing the exact wrong exercises. &^@#.
What do y'all think of this? Fort?
Mark
Aside from a gentle doorway or corner stretch post-swimming, I don't stretch the shoulder joints much. I already got those darn loosey goosey tendons.
But I need to stretch the back and scapular muscles that support the shoulders. When they get all tight, they pull on the tendons. Core and leg stretches are good though. But for the RC and tendons, strengthen, don't stretch.
George: you little instigator.
Aside from a gentle doorway or corner stretch post-swimming, I don't stretch the shoulder joints much. I already got those darn loosey goosey tendons.
But I need to stretch the back and scapular muscles that support the shoulders. When they get all tight, they pull on the tendons. Core and leg stretches are good though. But for the RC and tendons, strengthen, don't stretch.
George: you little instigator.
