Swim Stroke hurting shoulder

[Dogmama]

My instructor has me doing a stroke whereby my hands are both fully outstretched between each stroke. So it's like

Both arms outstretched - right arm stroke - both arms outstretched - left arm stroke, both arms outstretched

It's starting to hurt my shoulder and I think it's because I actually lose momentum at the "both arms outstretched" part. It's like pedaling a bike and pausing between each revolution.

I'm going to ask him about this but doubt that I'll get any decent answer because he's pretty rabid about this - even has people hold a dowel on the outstretched part.

What is the point of this? Why not move both arms like pedaling a bike?

Apologies for the terminology. I'm still learning!

[Tri Girl]

I'm guessing he's having you do this to lengthen your stroke and get you to keep from doing super short strokes that don't give you the full extension. I remember doing those years ago when I first started swimming again, but if it's hurting your shoulder I wouldn't do it. Just consciously think about not moving the other arm until the stroking arm gets to the top of the stroke (make it fluid, tho, the pausing would drive me batty).

[Becky]

Is the pain happening as you're recovering your arm? Is it possible that you're not rotating your body enough while doing this drill? The pause could definitely cause you to "flatten out" some as it breaks your momentum.

I had some shoulder pain early on (that is to say, last year!) because I wasn't rotating far enough to one side and I was tweaking my shoulder on that side's arm recovery.

Just a theory....hope it feels better soon!

[sgf726]

It sounds like the "catch-up" stroke. I believe its used to help elongate the stroke. I found when I first started doing both catch-up and one handed drills I would swim too flat and not as I should.

I do agree with what others said - if it hurts don't to it. I am sure there are other drills to get the same impact.

[Wahine]

I think it sounds like the "catch-up" drill too. As others have mentioned, you may not be rolling enough.

Someone else asked about when during the stroke are you feeling the pain, this is important information for figuring out why it hurts.

During mid recovery = probably a roll issue
During hand placement in the water = likely your stroke is too narrow or you're even crossing over
During the initial part of the pull phase, the "catch" = probably poor arm position and/or weakness in the stability muscles

This is a really good drill in general for improving form and body balance in the water, so it's worth trying to figure out why it's not working for you and how to fix it. I'd strongly encourage you to ask the coach about it. Tell him it hurts your shoulder and you want to make sure you're doing it right. Then have him watch your form.

[Dogmama]

Thanks everybody! It is during the catch part of the stroke. Funny thing - if I do more of a rolling stroke - in other words I'm not doing the fully extended (superman) thing in the water, it doesn't hurt. AND, I'm faster & a lot less winded.

[rocknrollgirl]

I used to have a lot of shoulder pain from swimming, in the front of my shoulder on the biceps tendon. I found it was caused by keeping my arm straight through the catch and pull phase. This position has all of the work coming from the shoulder.

I changed to a slightly bent elbow, which puts the work on the lats. No more shoulder pain. It is hard to describe and easy to see. If you go on youtube and look for some videos on high elbow, early catch, you will be able to see what I am talking about. They call it open armpit swimming. Your coach should be able to help you with that arm position. It gave me immediate relief.

Good luck.

[Dogmama]

Thanks! My pain seems to come from the anterior delt and the pectoralis minor insertion point. My massage therapist worked trigger points last night and voila - a new shoulder!