Crooked Swimming?

Question

I just started taking swimming lessons in May and I am definitely having a lot of fun. Here's my problem: Back in November I had a stupendously awful fall in a shower and hurt my left shoulder. It hasn't been the same since...it's only been since May that I can do bellydance snake arms without really hurting on that side. I suspect that my left side has been severely weakened and this is the reason why I'm swimming crooked. Any suggestions on how to strengthen and straighten me out in the water? If I swim consistently will that do the trick? Of course, maybe I'm just destined to take over two or three lanes in a pool, but that's rather inconsiderate.

Answer 1

crooked swimming is almost always caused by a crooked stroke, and not really by the difference in your strengths..

make sure both your arms are doing the same stroke, the correct stroke.. never cross your center line.. or you will be crooked. so remember that every action has a reaction.. so if you pull to the side.. you will move to the side.. try pulling straight back so you go foward.

Last thing is, I would recomend you dont give yourself the liberty of swimming crooked, the more you do it the more you will continue to do it. so pick a lane.. and concentrate on keeping your stroke

Answer 2

I used to swim competitively and for a long while I was crooked on my backstroke. Turned out I was turning my hips too much and it was angling my body.

I do think you're likely to favor your injury a bit. Strengthening in a gym is important, but start off with very light weights...3lbs...5lbs and build up the area slowly...you'll feel more confident in your stroke as your shoulder feels better.

I would also suggest that in the water you swim in a lane that is roped off. you'll hit the bumpers if you sway too much to one side, and it'll keep your mind focused to stay centered. Additionally, use your eyes in the water...look up ahead of you (without picking your head up) just look through your goggles and swim slow.

Overcoming an injury takes time, but I'm sure it's not a permenant issue.

Answer 3

assuming you have talked this over with your Doctor . I would guess you are favoring the injured shoulder . Keep with the practice as well as light weight training . The shoulder is probably weakened from the fall . Work on your range of motion a lot . Such as circles . Also when you swim try getting your hand to touch the water in front and the center of your head . This will give you a focus point . and direction.

Answer 4

Try going "easy" on your right side, and if you start swimming straight again, then you need to work on your left. If you're still crooked, then it is a problem with your stroke. Most likely, you've got your head turned a little bit and your body is just following your head.

Answer 5

First ask a doctor or physical therapist, but I suggest you exercise using a slightly heavier weight in the weaker arm than in the strong arm.

Do various movements as in swimming.

Answer 6

do exercise involving arm movements like lifting weights or aerobics

Answer 7

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