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
Parents
Former Member
I work at a computer all day long and do some of these stretches - or very similar ones - to offset the tight chest and front of shoulder muscles that result from cad drafting. My massage therapists have even recommended some of them. I'll have to rethink that advice now, perhaps I'll just try to figure out which muscles are opposing and strengthen them instead.
When I was training for the Swimtrek tour, their training advice also advised against stretching before swimming.
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Former Member
I work at a computer all day long and do some of these stretches - or very similar ones - to offset the tight chest and front of shoulder muscles that result from cad drafting. My massage therapists have even recommended some of them. I'll have to rethink that advice now, perhaps I'll just try to figure out which muscles are opposing and strengthen them instead.
When I was training for the Swimtrek tour, their training advice also advised against stretching before swimming.
