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.
Mark I find it very interesting, it proves a lot of my thinking on those grotesque pretzel type stretching exercises.
It seems they are suggesting the gentle type of stretches I would agree to.
I still believe however there should not be any stretches until after your swim and do your cool down swim.
There is a lot of concern about using proper technique, most shoulder injuries are caused by improper stretching, improper technique and not doing a proper warm up in the water.
I too did all of those bad stretches into my 30s and I have the shoulders to prove it:cry:. I have been doing there 3 good stretches at the end of workout and they seem to help.:banana:
The local Univ team was including yoga during their training. Seems like it'd be safer as it doesn't involve as much passive stretching or joint isolation.
