Back in the water for 800m

On Monday the physio found that my left arm tested to be as strong as my right even though there was a little pain during the loading. On that basis I'm considered to be well on the road to recovery. So swimming is back on the cards although clearly it is important that I restart very gently.

On Tuesday I swam 10 lengths fairly gently and today 14 lengths. After the warm-up I did a set of bilateral breathing assisted by the pull buoy. It seems to make sense after asymmetric pain and injury to try to develop a bilateral style. Since I'm not pushing for speed or endurance currently there's also logic in trying to be neat, so there the reach, high elbow, bent arm, rotation and elbow-led recovery to try to maintain in my stroke.

Previously my arm was sore in the morning g after swims; it was fine on Wednesday and I hope it's OK tomorrow. Actually recovery is improving as my arm became quite sore after tough circuits on Wednesday and was stiff early Thursday.

Elbow pain rehab ongoing

After quite a few months I suspect that my right elbow is showing some improvement. I'm doing a variety of shoulder and forearm strengthening exercises for both arms although I only feel them in the left. When I load the joint and in the morning I'm very much aware of discomfort. However it does seem that I'm getting stronger and that the load which induces pain, or stops use, is increasing.

This morning whilst tidying magazines I spotted this.

From Outdoor Swimmer August 2018

I agree with this short item in its entirety. I found the paddles a great training aid for positioning and I felt the training load on my chest. However I do think that engagement of my forearm was part of the set of problems that overloaded my elbow. When my arm is stronger I will be reintroducing the paddles into my programme but in a very gently way.