Swimmers... particularly Masters Swimmers... tend to develop unique injuries. It is really hard to find information and solutions for these problems outside of the aquatic world. I would appreciate it if folks who have overcome shoulder/elbow injuries (or other swimming related problems) could post information on what your injury was, and how you solved it.
My selfish reason for this new thread? I've been dealing with "swimmer's shoulder" for about 6 years (I'm 32). I'm trying to find a non-surgical solution that will allow me to continue to swim (relatively pain-free?). I swim everything from sprints to open-water marathon swims -- and my shoulder pain (which has spread to my neck and elbows) is making it less enjoyable.
Looking forward to hearing some success stories. Thanks!
Duncan
I have a shoulder injury from last summer that has not gone away despite physical therapy, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Resting is helpful but in large doses has not proved beneficial; my shoulder often hurts more after I've been away from the water for a few days or even a couple of weeks. My coach and I also spent an entire season revamping my freestyle technique to mitigate stress on my shoulder.
Recently we have worked out a solution to my shoulder pain that I am comfortable with and that seems to be (gradually) decreasing the overall level of pain. Of course, this would not work if I did not continue to ice my shoulder and do shoulder exercises.
First, since I'm the kind of swimmer that feels "out of shape" if I take 2 days in a row off, I swim 6 days a week BUT I take a mandatory easy day one day a week (usually Thursday). So I get in a good workout M, T, W; go easy on Thursday (and focus on technique... and have fun!!!); then a good workout on Friday and Saturday.
Second, if there are long freestyle sets (which always aggravate my shoulder), I consult with my coach and we change the routine a little. I started off not allowing myself to do more than 100 freestyle at a time; so I would do 75 free, 25 no free; 75 free, 25 no free. This was great because it challenged me to keep up with other swimmers who were doing all freestyle!!
I have been gradually adding the amount of freestyle I can do in a row (usually adding a 25 every 1-2 weeks). Currently, I do 200 free, 25 no free.
Third, I never pull. The pull buoy puts my shoulder in immediate pain. Sometimes if others are wearing paddles, I will wear short positive drive fins and then concentrate on using my core strength and my kick to help my arms.
I'm really not an expert and this isn't necessarily "the solution" - It's just an approach I'm trying out, and so far, I'm happy with it. The most important thing for me is to come up with a plan tailored to my needs that will allow me to continue improving. Because of the systematic and consistent nature of this plan, it's much better than just getting out of the water when I feel pain in my shoulder, and feeling terrible about missing a workout or getting out earlier.
The systematic approach to easing back on the things that hurt and finding other ways to keep the fun and challenge in swimming also prevent me from feeling "mentally guilty" about having to pull back from the full routine.
I have a shoulder injury from last summer that has not gone away despite physical therapy, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Resting is helpful but in large doses has not proved beneficial; my shoulder often hurts more after I've been away from the water for a few days or even a couple of weeks. My coach and I also spent an entire season revamping my freestyle technique to mitigate stress on my shoulder.
Recently we have worked out a solution to my shoulder pain that I am comfortable with and that seems to be (gradually) decreasing the overall level of pain. Of course, this would not work if I did not continue to ice my shoulder and do shoulder exercises.
First, since I'm the kind of swimmer that feels "out of shape" if I take 2 days in a row off, I swim 6 days a week BUT I take a mandatory easy day one day a week (usually Thursday). So I get in a good workout M, T, W; go easy on Thursday (and focus on technique... and have fun!!!); then a good workout on Friday and Saturday.
Second, if there are long freestyle sets (which always aggravate my shoulder), I consult with my coach and we change the routine a little. I started off not allowing myself to do more than 100 freestyle at a time; so I would do 75 free, 25 no free; 75 free, 25 no free. This was great because it challenged me to keep up with other swimmers who were doing all freestyle!!
I have been gradually adding the amount of freestyle I can do in a row (usually adding a 25 every 1-2 weeks). Currently, I do 200 free, 25 no free.
Third, I never pull. The pull buoy puts my shoulder in immediate pain. Sometimes if others are wearing paddles, I will wear short positive drive fins and then concentrate on using my core strength and my kick to help my arms.
I'm really not an expert and this isn't necessarily "the solution" - It's just an approach I'm trying out, and so far, I'm happy with it. The most important thing for me is to come up with a plan tailored to my needs that will allow me to continue improving. Because of the systematic and consistent nature of this plan, it's much better than just getting out of the water when I feel pain in my shoulder, and feeling terrible about missing a workout or getting out earlier.
The systematic approach to easing back on the things that hurt and finding other ways to keep the fun and challenge in swimming also prevent me from feeling "mentally guilty" about having to pull back from the full routine.
