Swimming related elbow pain

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2014-04-16 9:49 AM

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Subject: Swimming related elbow pain
I decided this morning during my swim I'd post up this question for you swimming experts to comment on.

I'm a decent swimmer for a triathlete as I came from a competitive swimming background. Anyway... a couple years ago I joined Masters and had my form totally changed (updated from what I learned in the early 90s). It solved the shoulder pain that had sidelined me back in high school.

But it exacerbated this weird thing I do with my right wrist which now is giving me pain in my elbow at the end of long sets. My coaches have been telling me to relax it and I cannot figure out how to do it. Does anybody have any drills or tricks on how to consciously relax your wrists?

2014-04-16 12:33 PM
in reply to: MechEChick

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Subject: RE: Swimming related elbow pain
Originally posted by MechEChick

I decided this morning during my swim I'd post up this question for you swimming experts to comment on.

I'm a decent swimmer for a triathlete as I came from a competitive swimming background. Anyway... a couple years ago I joined Masters and had my form totally changed (updated from what I learned in the early 90s). It solved the shoulder pain that had sidelined me back in high school.

But it exacerbated this weird thing I do with my right wrist which now is giving me pain in my elbow at the end of long sets. My coaches have been telling me to relax it and I cannot figure out how to do it. Does anybody have any drills or tricks on how to consciously relax your wrists?


Stop pulling? Anchor and rotate past? Without actually seeing you swim I'd guess it's something proximal to your wrists and your wrists are the thing you unconsciously have the most control over so you probably pull and tense when you stroke. Just guessing.
2014-04-16 7:09 PM
in reply to: MechEChick

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Subject: RE: Swimming related elbow pain
Do you stretch regularly? You are a way more experienced swimmer than I am so you may already do this. As an adult onset swimmer I never thought about stretching my shoulders. After struggling with elbow and wrist pain from swimming I went to a massage therapist. She told me that I had a lack of mobility in my scapulas. After a few good massages and regular stretching my elbows and wrist pain is much better. Good luck to you!
2014-04-17 9:21 AM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Swimming related elbow pain
Thanks for the advice! I'll give these drills and stretching more a try!
2014-04-17 10:01 AM
in reply to: MechEChick

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Subject: RE: Swimming related elbow pain
Do you ever do any work with paddles? For me personally it helps keep everything on the correct plane through the pull and if you are doing anything out of the ordinary with wrist position it'll definitely show with paddles. Perhaps a few slow pull sets with paddles?
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