Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?

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2008-11-06 7:52 PM

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Master
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Mishicot, Wisconsin
Subject: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
I sure hope someone can offer me some advice.  About a week ago my right shoulder began hurting deep inside the shoulder.  It especially hurts when I make a swimming rotation type movement.  Anyone else have this problem?  What can/should I do about it?

2008-11-06 9:24 PM
in reply to: #1793915

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Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
Stretch--try and move your arm as many ways as you can see what hurts.  then stretch
2008-11-06 9:47 PM
in reply to: #1793915

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Master
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
Do you sit at a computer all day for work? It could be a result of bad ergonomics. I have pretty bad stiffness in my right shoulder, and swimming aggravates it, but it's there whether I swim or not. Stress and other stuff also makes the pain flare.

If this sounds like your issue, try to get an ergonomic computer desk setup. Also try to alternate putting the mouse over to the left side to give your right side a rest (or vice versa). Very awkward at first, but worth it.
2008-11-06 9:51 PM
in reply to: #1793915

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Master
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Mishicot, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
Nope, I don't sit at a computer all day.  I am up on my feet work with adults with disabilities.  I don't remember doing anything to have a traumatic injury, but who knows.
2008-11-06 9:53 PM
in reply to: #1793915

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Master
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
Does your work require you to physically assist the adults with disabilities? Maybe you strained it that way? When I was in labor with one of my daughters, I fainted (low bp) and the nurse leaned over to catch me before I hit the floor. Poor woman strained her back something awful. I feel so bad about that.

Edited by keyone 2008-11-06 9:54 PM
2008-11-07 6:46 AM
in reply to: #1794224

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Master
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Mishicot, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?

keyone - 2008-11-06 9:53 PM Does your work require you to physically assist the adults with disabilities? Maybe you strained it that way? When I was in labor with one of my daughters, I fainted (low bp) and the nurse leaned over to catch me before I hit the floor. Poor woman strained her back something awful. I feel so bad about that.

 

I did have one of my clients go from completely standing to his knees (he weighs a ton too) because of a seizure.  That could have been it.  I sure hope not. 

2008-11-07 7:10 AM
in reply to: #1793915

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Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?
I had the same problem last year. My coach thought it was because I was over reaching in an effort to be longer in the water. I started taking a less exagerated stroke and the pain went away. Now I focus on high elbows.
2008-11-07 9:42 AM
in reply to: #1793915

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Subject: RE: Swimmer's shoulder without swimming?

I injured my shoulder maybe 7 years ago trying to start our lawn mower (pulled the starting motor cord too hard too many times in frustration...).  I wasn't training then and it pretty much healed on its own over a few months.  I'm convinced that swimming over the last few years has aggravated that original injury, which got bad enough that I stopped swimming a few months ago and am now doing physical therapy .

What seems to help is stretching and strenght training for the rotator cuff muscles (stretch cords and light weights).  I hope to be back in the pool in a couple of months....

If your problem is minor, which it likely is, you can probably take a few days off, then continue to swim while preventing future occurences (stretching, strength, good warm ups, get your technique checked, etc.).  If it is more serious you should stay away from the water a bit more.

Google "swimmers shoulder" and "labral tear" and you'll get lots of ideas for what you might have and how bad (or not so bad) it might be.  It's likely not very bad if it wasn't bothering you before and you're not swimming too much now.

If it persists, seeing a doctor is always good.  I waited 3 months before seeing one since I thought my shoulder would get better with just rest.  It didn't.... 

Brian

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