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Nothing can stop a great training cycle in its tracks faster than injury. For better or worse, swimming injuries tend to be overuse injuries rather than traumatic injuries, particularly when it comes to the shoulder. As there\u2019s usually some sort of overload to the tissues of the joint, that usually means rest or reduced training is in order. <\/strong><\/p>\n However, the overload is often fairly localised, and that means there\u2019s usually something you can do in the water, even if it doesn\u2019t involve your arms.<\/p>\n This is important because one of the challenges with swimming is that while cross-training can be effective at maintaining general fitness, you need to be in the water if you hope to maintain or improve your swimming fitness.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s are some guidelines for making that happen.<\/p>\n Above all, your number one priority needs to be recovering from the injury. If the injury is preventing you from engaging in full training, getting healthy should take priority over maintaining your fitness.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t recover from the injury, you\u2019ll never be able to do the training to optimise your fitness. Consequently, it\u2019s critical to avoid any training activities that cause pain. If it hurts, it\u2019s out! Strictly following this rule will ensure you\u2019re not doing anything to aggravate your injury.<\/p>\n While the overuse of training gear can prevent you from learning effective swimming skills and improving your performance, an injured shoulder is an exception. If using fins<\/strong><\/a>, a snorkel<\/strong><\/a>, a buoy<\/strong><\/a>, or a kickboard<\/strong><\/a> takes the pressure off your shoulder, they\u2019re now your best friend.<\/p>\n In particular, fins can make swimming easier on cranky shoulders. If training equipment allows you to keep moving, feel free to use it. However, be judicious in the amount of work you do, as recovering from the injury is still the priority.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> As mentioned at the beginning of the article, staying in the water is critical for maintaining swimming fitness. To maintain that fitness, do whatever you can in the water that allows you to stay pain-free. If it\u2019s a very mild injury, try performing other strokes, which might be all you need to give your shoulder a break. Use whatever stroke feels good and allow you to keep moving.<\/p>\nHow to stay pain-free<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Use swim aids wisely<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Do what you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n