torn rotator cuff

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2007-12-11 6:04 PM

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Subject: torn rotator cuff
I recently tore the rotator cuff in my left shoulder as well as a partial tear on my bicep tendon. Surgery is scheduled for January 24 followed by 6 weeks of an immobile arm and physical therapy after that. I've managed to continue to run and bike (though not at full pace) and my question is this: what can I do in the pool to keep even a little of the swimming shape I obtained last season? Swimming is my weakest sport and I'm hoping to do my first 1/2 Ironman in September.

I'm very opposed to drowning!

2007-12-11 6:22 PM
in reply to: #1096138

Veteran
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Subject: RE: torn rotator cuff
first there is a lot of time between now and september, so don't worry about that....Take the time to recover right and get back to 100% don't rush it and risk more shoulder damage...you could probably do some kick drills with fins safely other than that, go to PT and rest....there is a lit of time to get ready for your half!
2007-12-11 6:44 PM
in reply to: #1096138

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Champion
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Subject: RE: torn rotator cuff

If you continue running/biking you will have aerobic fitness to swim 1.2 miles. You just need to work on technique and building up your body's resilience to swim that far.

I crashed and seperated my shoulder in June, couldn't swim for 6 weeks, started mid-July doing like 200 yards first swim and very slowly building back up. 5 weeks after swimming again I did an Oly. 6 weeks later  I did my first HIM, but I had to stop swimming last 2 weeks as my shoulder flared up. For me getting thru the swim was key as I knew I wouldn't be fast.

For me doing to much to soon meant backing off and more time off. It is better to be conservative and be fully healed before you start swimming and you get the okay from your Doctor and PT. 

2007-12-11 8:59 PM
in reply to: #1096138

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Master
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Subject: RE: torn rotator cuff

Could you do kick drills, TI drills, and that sort of thing?

I got in the pool a couple of times for kick drills when I couldn't use my hand and arm this Summer.  I think it was very good for me, since I don't normally have the patience to do many of these sorts of drills when I'm healthy

2007-12-11 9:00 PM
in reply to: #1096138

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Master
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Subject: RE: torn rotator cuff
I had shoulder surgery 22 years ago. Take your time with your recovery. You won't gain anything by pushing your recovery. It will just take longer. The one thing that helped me in my recovery was yoga poses. Especially the down dog. I would hold that for as long as I could. I found that to be more effective to my recovery than weightlifitng.
2007-12-11 9:07 PM
in reply to: #1096138

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Supersonicus Idioticus
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Subject: RE: torn rotator cuff
luckily... someone on my team who is elite (50 seconds for a 100fr) went under shoulder surgery. He said it took him 8 months to be at the peak of his game... so you have enough time.

You can't be worried about keeping your swimming fitness up - it won't stay up. Focus on being the best you can be come September.

That means do low volume in the pool while you are recovering.

AND DO THOSE SHOULDER STRENGTHENING EXERCISES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They work! - one coach I had lost about 4 or 5 people to their shoulders. Another coach I had who makes his swimmers do the exercises has never lost a swimmer to shoulder injury ever.


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