I do several stretches pointed out as no-nos in that article. I have a little routine that I always do, much of which I borrowed from Janet Evans' book. But after reading that I'm thinking I might just quit stretching altogether.
:confused:
Now that I got my magazine yesterday; i know what the discussion is all about so I am going to chime in. I am a physical therapist and swim coach.
Please read the introductions; both articles make valid points.
In the Swimmer article, the stretches that are depicted as NOT recommended are stretching the capsule (the static stabilizers of the shoulder) In most cases, when a swimmer states that their shoulder feels tight, it is not the capsule that needs to be stretched. The muscles feel tight and rubbing your muscles might be more beneficial than stretching.
To understand the rationale behind the exercises, Edelman's article for USA swimming is helpful reading.
I do not believe that there will be a total agreement on how to stretch and what is better. There are so many theories. A stretch for a swimmer would be differently for a runner. Everyone has different body types and swim differently too. I do agree with that in most cases; swimmer's shoulders the swimmer's capsule does not need to be further stretched out. There is a tendency toward hypermobility in the capsule.
Now for the discrepancies:
1) the lat stretch: in both cases- the swimmer's shoulder blades are winging; that would not be a recommended stretch for either swimmer.
The recommended active exercise for streamline would be more helpful. As for the lat stretch, if you cannot sit on your knees like the picture; then use a block for your hand placement.
2) the triceps stretch: in your hand placement above or below the elbow makes a difference on lever arm; the elbow straight versus bent effects the stretch. In most cases, people's triceps do not need to be stretched unless you have a tight posterior capsule.
now the discussion on the neck stretch poses a different situation: If you have a neck problem; check with your doctor or therapist prior to doing any exercises
I haven't found a person that did not need an upper traps stretch. In most people, the upper traps are firing all the time and need to be stretched. A helpful modification for this stretch; instead of anchoring your hand to the chair; place that hand behind your back. In addition, you are in control on how much pressure you are applying to your head.
Remember these are recommended stretches.
Edelman did a great job explaining his article at the USAS convention and I am in favor of the active exercise.
I also coach and I do not have any of my high school female swimmers stretch. I do have them do neck and shoulder rolls and squeeze their arm and shoulder if they complain of tightness.
As for masters, I encourage them to take yoga separately from swim practice. And stretch after practice not before.
Now this is my analysis of the articles and my two cents.
I hope it helps with some confusion people are having
Swimcerely
Nadine
Now that I got my magazine yesterday; i know what the discussion is all about so I am going to chime in. I am a physical therapist and swim coach.
Please read the introductions; both articles make valid points.
In the Swimmer article, the stretches that are depicted as NOT recommended are stretching the capsule (the static stabilizers of the shoulder) In most cases, when a swimmer states that their shoulder feels tight, it is not the capsule that needs to be stretched. The muscles feel tight and rubbing your muscles might be more beneficial than stretching.
To understand the rationale behind the exercises, Edelman's article for USA swimming is helpful reading.
I do not believe that there will be a total agreement on how to stretch and what is better. There are so many theories. A stretch for a swimmer would be differently for a runner. Everyone has different body types and swim differently too. I do agree with that in most cases; swimmer's shoulders the swimmer's capsule does not need to be further stretched out. There is a tendency toward hypermobility in the capsule.
Now for the discrepancies:
1) the lat stretch: in both cases- the swimmer's shoulder blades are winging; that would not be a recommended stretch for either swimmer.
The recommended active exercise for streamline would be more helpful. As for the lat stretch, if you cannot sit on your knees like the picture; then use a block for your hand placement.
2) the triceps stretch: in your hand placement above or below the elbow makes a difference on lever arm; the elbow straight versus bent effects the stretch. In most cases, people's triceps do not need to be stretched unless you have a tight posterior capsule.
now the discussion on the neck stretch poses a different situation: If you have a neck problem; check with your doctor or therapist prior to doing any exercises
I haven't found a person that did not need an upper traps stretch. In most people, the upper traps are firing all the time and need to be stretched. A helpful modification for this stretch; instead of anchoring your hand to the chair; place that hand behind your back. In addition, you are in control on how much pressure you are applying to your head.
Remember these are recommended stretches.
Edelman did a great job explaining his article at the USAS convention and I am in favor of the active exercise.
I also coach and I do not have any of my high school female swimmers stretch. I do have them do neck and shoulder rolls and squeeze their arm and shoulder if they complain of tightness.
As for masters, I encourage them to take yoga separately from swim practice. And stretch after practice not before.
Now this is my analysis of the articles and my two cents.
I hope it helps with some confusion people are having
Swimcerely
Nadine
