I started swimming again about a year ago (after a 45 year layoff). For the past 6-8 months I have been doing 12-15000+ yards a week, almost all breaststroke, lots of repeats. My knees were replaced about 8 years ago and they are very good but I cannot get much drive with them. My 50 yard time is horrible for the amount of work I am doing. I believe it is because I cannot get a lot of lift when I bend them backwards (less than 90 degrees). Has anyone got any suggestions?
Tom
Parents
Former Member
I am not a fast swimmer but I can speak to knee "issues".
Limited ROM in the knees does slow down breaststroke kick. One of my knees is held together with a fake ligament and scar tissue, and I limit my breaststroke kicking to a minimum due to pain/swelling. I usually do breaststroke in practice with fins and a single modified dolphin kick. It is great to work on the stroke rhythm and body positioning/flow.
Paddles help me improve the upper body part of my breaststroke.
I think weightlifting building up to heavy weights to work all the lower body muscles would help you. If you have some exercises from rehab/physical therapy those would help working the littler knee stabilizing muscles. And stretching to help with your range of motion. Bicycling can be great cross-training and is knee-friendly.
I am not a fast swimmer but I can speak to knee "issues".
Limited ROM in the knees does slow down breaststroke kick. One of my knees is held together with a fake ligament and scar tissue, and I limit my breaststroke kicking to a minimum due to pain/swelling. I usually do breaststroke in practice with fins and a single modified dolphin kick. It is great to work on the stroke rhythm and body positioning/flow.
Paddles help me improve the upper body part of my breaststroke.
I think weightlifting building up to heavy weights to work all the lower body muscles would help you. If you have some exercises from rehab/physical therapy those would help working the littler knee stabilizing muscles. And stretching to help with your range of motion. Bicycling can be great cross-training and is knee-friendly.
