My swims have been getting longer lately. I swam a cumulative of 3.5 miles open water in about three days last week. After the last swim I got (and have retained) a sharp pain on top of the bone above my left shoulder. The knob of bone where your collar bone attaches to your shoudler muscles. It doesnt feel muscular at all… The pain is entirely localized over the bone. Does anyone have any advice for me as to what I’ve done?
Brandon
Shoulder impingement. Use bands or light weight to strengthen your rotator cuff and use a balance ball to strengthen you lower lats. If you can’t find the information online I can tell you what I do.
And something might be off on your swimming technique.
sounds like a tendonitis. decrease your pull sets, total yardage. tincture of time will heal your problem, then ease back into it.
My swims have been getting longer lately. I swam a cumulative of 3.5 miles open water in about three days last week. After the last swim I got (and have retained) a sharp pain on top of the bone above my left shoulder. The knob of bone where your collar bone attaches to your shoudler muscles. It doesnt feel muscular at all… The pain is entirely localized over the bone. Does anyone have any advice for me as to what I’ve done?
Brandon
Are you a one side breather? If so, I bet the problem is in your other shoulder. Happens to many people. Go to swimsmooth, they have a bunch of good info on fixing it.
Well I’m sure my technique could use some work. So I will check that website for sure. I dont think I have a muscle inbalance I come from a crossfit/gymnastics/running background and My upper body is pretty strong. I swim 3 stroke alternating sides for breath unless there is a chop which makes me breathe directionally.
I’ve only been doing triathlons for a year and am training for my first full IM. B2B in Wilmington NC in October.
I’m sure that tincture of time will help, but was really curious how to keep from hurting it again
If you are sure that your back muscles are sufficient and that you breath equally to both sides, the idea I was suggesting is probably not the culprit.
But the swim smooth site might be helpful anyway. It is still probably a technique issue, just not the one I was suggesting.
it may be a long shot but if you say your form needs work next time you swim watch how your hand enters the water. it shoud be palms flat or slightly pointed in. if you’re entering the water with your palms turned out you are just rotating your shoulders in and that could be causing some sorness…if that doesnt make sence, put your arm over your head and roll your hand so your palm is flat or facing inward towards your center line, now turn it so your hand is facing out. you should be able to feel your shoulder roll up and in.
hope that helps a little