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
Parents
Former Member
Duncan
I am a college coach and we get many damaged goods that come to our team. Ahh, the benefits of years of hard work! We have found (mostly our trainers have found) that shoulder problems stem from lack of stabilizing muscles in and under your scapula.. maybe the reason we are all slouching as we read this.
1st solution: Sit and stand up straight. Our mothers were right, posture affects everything and you can begin strengthening those stabilizing muscles just by standing tall. Try it for five minutes to see what I am talking about.
2nd solution: talk to a sports trainer or somebody in the rehab industry and find a way to start a rehab/prevention program. A good program should require no more than 15 minutes a day, but here is the trick. You have to stick to it for the rest of your life if you want to keep swimming, better yet, pick up your kids.
3rd solution: try to start a lifting program, preferebly with someone who knows what you are trying to do. Many shoulder problems also stem from too much flexilbility. Yes, too much can cause other related problems. Yes, lifting is hard and takes time, but 30 minutes maybe two days a week could make an improvement.
4th; like everyone else has said, listen to your body. if it hurts then stop. try kicking the rest of practice or put fins on. Technique change is difficult especially if you are trying to change an already weak area, plus you are ignoring the prblem by placing blame on technique. Fix the shoulder not the form.
Good luck
Kipp
Duncan
I am a college coach and we get many damaged goods that come to our team. Ahh, the benefits of years of hard work! We have found (mostly our trainers have found) that shoulder problems stem from lack of stabilizing muscles in and under your scapula.. maybe the reason we are all slouching as we read this.
1st solution: Sit and stand up straight. Our mothers were right, posture affects everything and you can begin strengthening those stabilizing muscles just by standing tall. Try it for five minutes to see what I am talking about.
2nd solution: talk to a sports trainer or somebody in the rehab industry and find a way to start a rehab/prevention program. A good program should require no more than 15 minutes a day, but here is the trick. You have to stick to it for the rest of your life if you want to keep swimming, better yet, pick up your kids.
3rd solution: try to start a lifting program, preferebly with someone who knows what you are trying to do. Many shoulder problems also stem from too much flexilbility. Yes, too much can cause other related problems. Yes, lifting is hard and takes time, but 30 minutes maybe two days a week could make an improvement.
4th; like everyone else has said, listen to your body. if it hurts then stop. try kicking the rest of practice or put fins on. Technique change is difficult especially if you are trying to change an already weak area, plus you are ignoring the prblem by placing blame on technique. Fix the shoulder not the form.
Good luck
Kipp
