Shoulders in Swimming

I don't have any great advice on proper technique to help prevent a reoccurence, but thought you might want to take a look at an article on kicking during shoulder rehab... findarticles.com/.../ A few snippets about Tom Sicilano at the University of Michigan... "... Siciliano suffered an injury to his shoulder, damage severe enough that a new training regimen was ordered. What was required? An open-arm embrace of kick-based training. Siciliano went on to become a three-time NCAA champion in the 400 IM and finalist in the 500 yard and 1650 yard freestyle events. So his decision to limit his stroke work did not produce adverse results. Sure, the Wolverine wasn't receiving the typical upper body workout load he was accustomed to experiencing. Nonetheless, Siciliano strengthened his kicking technique while building his cardiovascular base to a new level, and set a short course American record in the 400 IM in 2000. "With me, we decided to go to kick-based training because the pain was so bad," Siciliano said. "I had to be in the water, so we thought it would be easier to go with kicking. When everyone was doing their main sets, I would try to keep up kicking or do everything I could to keep up. I would do some stroke work, but nothing strenuous. My injuries were nagging. They would go away and come back. It depended on the day. When I could, I would swim. When I was in too much pain, I would kick."" Best of Luck

Lisa, kick-based training is a great idea, but kickboards are also hard on your shoulders. So true! I get around this problem using a FINIS swimmer's snorkel, which allows me to kick while in a streamline position when using a kickboard. No more shoulder strain. :D

Lisa, kick-based training is a great idea, but kickboards are also hard on your shoulders. I found this out the hard way last summer. By the time I heard the news, it was too late! Make Boardless kicking a big part of your workouts. I don't know if this is appropriate for your situation, but I have found that lifting weights 2 or 3 times per week really helps. Also, I try to change strokes throughout a workout to change the way my shoulders are being stressed. And I do some of the various RC exercises that I've found from others here (I make it my business to read every shoulder-related thread now in search of more ideas). Good luck, I hope you get some good answers (so I can use'm too!) :) Suzy

Have recently hurt my shoulder as well, and cannot pull, so have been doing a lot of kicking. Wondering if anyone has ever had swelling under arm, just above armpits, with shoulder injury? Doctor said it isn't lymph nodes, but it's two little places that swell up like grapes, hurt, as in sore, achy, then disappear. Trying to figure out if this is due to injured muscles/tendons, or something completely unrelated. I wish our whole team would kick with me. I have a hard time kicking by myself. Anyone got some good kick sets? I have to keep my arms by my sides else my shoulder starts to ache.

I have not had shoulder surgery, but did have PT for my shoulder last summer and still have some issues. It's important to listen to your body, if something is straining/hurting your shoulder, stop. It sounds simple enough, but it's tempting to think it is just that you are not used to the movement, I have been guilty of the same. It may also be worth connecting with a physical therapist or a sport medicine doc who is familiar with swimming who can suggest exercises to strengthen the shoulder to help ensure that you do not injure it. They may be able to help you with easing your shoulder back into swimming as well. Good luck and happy swimming!

My orthopedist suggested that I continue lifting weights 3x/week the rest of my life using the same exercises I did in post-op physical therapy (modifed to use what the gym had available). That lasted a few months, but I do try to get back to it. It seemed like sound advice. I had open repairs for dislocations of my L shoulder and L knee 20 years ago. Both the "bad" and "good" sides are supposed to get exercised for better symmetry.

Isobel - I too have a shoulder injury and ofter have pain in my armpit and along my rib cage. I've been told by my ortho, PT'ist and acupuncturist it is referred pain from my labral tear/tendonitis problems. Sometimes massage helps, but only for a very short period of time. I've been doing nothing but kicking in the pool lately, much to the dismay of my lane mates. I'm trying to look at all the kicking positively... I already had a strong pull. By the time I recover from the shoulder issues (if my knees don't give out :)) I should see some major improvements in my times. Hang in there!