General fitness, health and nutrition · Public discussion

Swimming Without Shoulder Impingement, How Can I Learn?!?!?

Started by delta · · Last activity · 2 posts · 246 views

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General fitness, health and nutrition
Published
2 April 2006
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3 April 2006
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delta
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  1. Original post
    delta
    Archived post
    #1

    I've been swimming for the last 5 years because it has done WONDERS for
    my back problems. The problem is that I now have impingement and
    rotator cuff tendinitis. I'm doing physical therapy and staying out of
    the pool for now, but I need to learn how to swim in order to minimize
    the risk of future injury. I haven't had any instruction in swimming
    since I was a little kid learning to swim for the first time. I have
    read quite a bit about minimizing internal rotation and breathing to
    both sides, so about a year ago, when the problems started, I began
    breathing every third stroke (alternating) and entering the water with
    my pinky. This helped, but I don't think I've got it all right (with
    rotation etc...). I don't feel like I can really understand the stuff I
    read and pictures I see. I need some help.

    It would be great if I could find some sort of instructor that would
    work with me a few times to watch me swim and teach me how to minimize
    impingement. I don't care at all about speed, I swim for fitness and
    pain reduction in my back. I just want to protect my shoulder while I
    do it. I live in New York City; if anybody can recommend a way to find
    an instructor that would be educated in this area. I'm a broke
    student, but I would be willing to spend some money in order to save my
    shoulders.

    Alternatively, maybe there are some swimming instruction videos that
    somebody could recommend?

    Last, does anybody have any suggestions for what I could do in the pool
    without using my arms that may provide the same benefit for my back as
    swimming freestyle? I don't know what it is about the stroke, but it
    really helps my back. Since I've been out of the pool my back is
    killing me! I've tried kicking and what-not, but it doesn't seem to
    provide the same benefits.

    Thanks for any help!!!!

    Report
  2. Pat in TX
    Archived post
    #2


    Quoted message said:

    snip>
    Last, does anybody have any suggestions for what I could do in the pool
    without using my arms that may provide the same benefit for my back as
    swimming freestyle? I don't know what it is about the stroke, but it
    really helps my back. Since I've been out of the pool my back is
    killing me! I've tried kicking and what-not, but it doesn't seem to
    provide the same benefits.

    Thanks for any help!!!!

    Okay, let me jump in, here. Since my rotator cuff surgery, I was advised by
    Larry to make sure my little fingers enter the water first. Keep in mind
    that when your palm is toward your body then the impingement is less. I have
    altered my backstroke, even, with this in mind. And, it works! Other
    swimmers may think you look unusual, but, hey, whatever it takes to preserve
    the shoulder, right? After all, I don't want surgery on my right shoulder,
    too!

    You have to remember that because you have some impingement, certain things
    in your shoulder might be swollen or irritated. It will take a while for
    that to subside--but it will, with this new way of swimming. You don't need
    a video; you just keep on doing what you have been doing.

    As for the other, I have been walking in the water for some time. The first
    time I did it, a woman approached me and asked me when I had "my" back
    surgery. I told her I had not had any back problems, and she said that I was
    doing exactly what her doctor had recommended to his patients with back
    pains. I was doing it for a leg workout, but if it helps the back, that's
    good, too. I walk forward a lap, backwards a lap, sideways a lap, and then
    high step a lap. What that looks like is lifting my left foot straight out
    to the top of the water and touching the toes with my right hand. Then, I do
    the opposite with the right foot. This results in a twisting motion that
    really gives the back muscles a good workout. (I was doing it for a
    hamstring workout!) Now, if you think this sounds too easy, let me tell
    you, it isn't (at least the way I do it). I am breathing hard while doing
    this and afterwards, your legs will be tired. You can increase the
    difficulty of the workout by walking faster, varying how high you lift your
    legs, and dragging your arms in the water behind you.

    Good luck!

    Pat in TX

    Quoted message said:
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