With shoulder pain
being the most common complaint in swimmers, understanding the ins and outs of
the freestyle stroke and common injury patterns is more important than
ever.A better understanding on stroke
technique and instruction could reveal any underlying biomechanical or training
related injury which may help prevent new injuries or uncover reasons
for reoccurrences in patients with chronic shoulder problems.In an effort to ultimately produce more
effective technique and performance, “new” freestyle techniques that emphasize
body rotation and balance, scapular stabilization, appropriate stretching and
core strengthening are important to a swimmer’s fitness regime.
For
the shoulder joint to be strong and stable yet equally mobile, the scapula must
be stabilized by the muscles that attach to it.Muscular balance allows for rhythmical scapular motion to occur and
assists in keeping the shoulder joint injury-free.However, sometimes the scapula can become
“unbalanced” and asymmetrical scapular movement may occur.This can be addressed with a full evaluation
by a physical therapist and treated with a specific, prescribed exercise
program.A standard strengthening
program for a swimmer should consist of isolated and combined movements and
endurance training drills.The focus of
these strengthening exercises should focus on the Serratus Anterior, Rotator
Cuff, and Middle and Lower Trapezius.
A
few “top exercises” may include:
-Scaption
-Push up plus
- Corner Push ups
-Low Pulley Rowing (with an emphasis on squeezing the scapula together)
-Elevation in the scapular plane
with IR
-Flexion
-Horizontal abduction with ER
-Press up
Most Swimmers
commonly lack IR and horizontal adduction, known as “across the chest”, range
of motion.To assist in managing the
symptoms associated with shoulder impingement and restricted ROM, stretching
the Pectoralis Major and Minor, posterior shoulder and Latissimus Dorsi can aid
in a more productive work out or training session.The final and possibly most important link to
injury prevention and treatment is core strength.The goal of abdominal strengthening is to
develop increased control of the pelvis in a neutral position.Core strength and endurance provide proximal
stability for distal mobility and can result in a more energy-efficient
swimming technique and even improved performance.
With
new biomechanical developments and instruction techniques, sports medicine
professionals can implement new preventative strategies and coaching techniques
by understanding the breakdown of the freestyle stroke.By using these techniques, sports medicine
professionals and coaches may prevent the progression of the initial injury and
keep athletes on top of their game!
Shayla Worley Retires from Elite Gymnastics
2007 World Championships team gold medalist and Team ActiveWrap's own Shayla Worley announced she
is retiring from elite gymnastics and moving on to another chapter in
her life, her collegiate career at the University of Georgia.
Congratulations Shayla! We thought we would throw up a few vintage photos of young shayla from back in the day!
Harvard
Healthcare® Awarded Exclusive UK Distribution for ActiveWrap®
ActiveWrap is proud to announce the addition of
Harvard Healthcare® to our reputable team of distributors around the
world. Harvard Healthcare®will service our customers in
the UK
and European regions with experience, efficiency and care. Both thru their team of hospital
reps and a streamline internet storefront, Harvard Healthcare will meet the expanding demands of
the ActiveWrap sports medicine line. "Our partnership with ActiveWrap demonstrates
the very quality and reputation that Harvard Healthcare® was founded
upon. We are delighted to yet again be associated with award winning gold standard products" states Sue Allison, Business Director of Harvard Healthcare
Limited. She adds, "It is our aim to build upon the growing successes in
the U.S.
and make available the same high standards of therapy to the European
markets"
Harvard Healthcare® are suppliers of superior sports injury,
trauma and orthopaedic products. The company was established in May 2007 by two
industry experts who believe there is a place for a dedicated orthopaedic
business with a philosophy based on cost savings, premium quality products and
a responsive personal service.Based on over 25 years commercial and clinical experience in
orthopaedics together with credibility in our established customer
relationships we believe that our combined strengths can be utilized to meet
the constant changing needs of our customers who want to do business with us.
Based company,
ActiveWrap ® Inc continues to provide a unique and patented alternative to
current thermal therapy methods. The ActiveWrap® Hot/ Cold compress is a high
quality professional therapy wrap that adjusts to your exact injury. Unlike any
other wrap on the market, the patented design actually allows you to position
and move your heat/ice anywhere within the plush wrap. Set-up your
configuration of packs, secure it in place and start your treatment. Stay
Active at www.activewrap.com or toll-free at [866] 880-9777
Climbing: Training For Peak Performance
CLIMBING: TRAINING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE, 2ND EDITION by Clyde Soles
Authors Recommendation for ActiveWrap Products
from page 218, in Chapter 8:
"If
you're no stranger to injury, commercial thermal packs are more comfortable and
are easier to secure than homemade cold packs. ActiveWraps are the best choice
for treating joint trauma because they provide compression in addition toheat or cold therapy. There is
an ActiveWrap available for the wrist, elbow, shoulder, back, knee, and ankle
(from $25 to $50 each) that provides a snug, comfortable fit. These include
unique gel packs that can be frozen or heated in a microwave and will not squish
away from boney areas. With a couple of packs, you can alternate hot and cold
treatments once swelling is gone for faster healing."
About The Book:
"Whatever your talent, experience, and ambition, if you climb you would
do well to read Clyde Soles' training manual. This book will allow you
to pull down harder, last longer, and have more fun while you're at
it." -Jon Krakauer, author of "Into Thin Air"
* Exercises to build strength, endurance, flexibility, and aerobic fitness
* Up-to-date nutritional information
* Tips for preparing mentally and physically
Climbers
at all levels benefit from working to build core strength, opening the
door to higher levels of achievement. This new edition of the
Mountaineers Outdoor Expert series classic is completely updated and
expanded. There is new instruction on yoga, Pilates, and herbal
supplements, as well as an expanded section on core training. The book
contains more information about rehabilitation after an injury, plus
several new training programs.
Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Review
Volume 38| Number 6 | June 2008
ActiveWrap Inc. of Cypress, Ca has introduced a shoulder heat and ice wrap. Constructed with 2 large reusable hot-cold thermal packs, the ActiveWrap device is designed to deliver superior function and fit with better comfort and conforming materials, improved sizing, and overall ease of use.
The wrap's ergonomic strategically vented neo-lycra sleeve allows the typical shoulder patient to apply the device without assistance and without sacrificing mobility. The shoulder wrap also features dual rotator cuff straps to drive cold where the pateint needs it most, alleviating loose "untouched" areas.
In addition to the overall structural design of the ActiveWrap shoulder device, a stretch gel ice component insures lightweight, flexible therapy around the entire joint capsule. The patient or therapist can also target exact spots by removing one of the two included hot/cold packs inside the support wrap.
ABOUT JOSPT
Scholarly and peer-reviewed, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy is increasingly international in scope and reach. The JOSPT features the latest evidence-based research and clinical cases in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation, including physical therapy, orthopaedics, sports medicine, and biomechanics. Now in its 29th year, the Journal strives to offer high-quality research, immediately applicable clinical material, and useful supplemental information in a variety of formats
The JOSPT is also an officially recognized journal of several professional associations outside the United States.
Professional sports physical therapy associations in Australia, Ireland, South Africa, and Switzerland have purchased or arranged for universal online access to JOSPT for their members. They are: Sports Physiotherapy Australia (SPA), a national special group of the australian Physiotherapy Association, Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (CPSM), a clinical interest group of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), the National Sports Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP), Swiss Sports Physiotherapy Association (SSPA), New Zealand Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Association (NZSOPA), and the Sports Injury Section of the Hellenic Scientific Society of Physiotherapy (HSSPT).
Advance Article
