aquatics insight

[Guest guest]

As most of you know, I am a swimmer at heart and by practice. My surgery

earlier this year had me back in the PT pool where I first had to work

on walking, balance, and other strength training. Having accomplished

that, now I am lucky to work with a top Recreational Therapist to

continue strength and have regained muscle mass and found a few 'new'

muscles developed.

Just last week I was starting to swim more. I have always had a problem

with swimming off to the left - I hated swimming at the Y because I

would end up in the rope or on top of someone's head. Even swimming in

private pools had me veering off course. Ocean swimming has been a

challenge, as there too, I end up off course - to the right and ended up

swimming right into the outgoing tide. I couldn't come up with a reason

for this, except negating my own swimming strength as 'needing work'.

Last Monday, Kay was watching me do laps to a 3 mile current. And I

would crash into the right side of the pool. Kay figured something out.

Even though I am right handed, my left side of the body is dominant,

therefore, my stroke and kick is stronger and has propelled me off to

the right. Wow. What a revelation! So she explained how to shorten my

left arm stroke and lighten up on my kick, but still going full force

with right arm and leg. And what do you know. I ended up at the end of

the pool without crashing or veering to the left. Although this is hard

work to remember 'my new way'

to swim - it is quite a revelation.

I also warm up my arms with new hand/arm paddles and warm up the legs

and feet with step work and balancing on a submerged wobble board.

The Aquatic Center where I swim is expanding; we will be moving to a

place within biking distance from my house. The pool will be moved and a

new pool will be added to accommodate more users. In addition, the Center will

offer courses in Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. I'm really excited about this, as

this is all set up for people with physical conditions who would like guidance

from Aquatic PTs, RTs, etc. It feels so good, like working with a personal

trainer. They all know I have CMT and they all know what CMT is, so I really

feel grateful for this place and the staff. Always before we start, they ask me

how I feel/did I feel sore/or about my bike riding. And I can ask them anything

about my

muscles, balance, exercises, etc.

As I continue my new swimming 'style' I look forward to getting back in

the ocean for swimming and snorkeling and plan not to swim into the

outgoing current!

Just thought I'd share this insight.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gretchen,

I too am a swimmer. I have an in ground so I have never used a trainer or

pt, just worked on my own. I always pull to the left and end up running

into the wall. I just thought that was normal. I'll certainly try a

shorter stroke/kick on my left side when I'm able to get back in the pool.

I am considering joining a local physical therapy clinic which just

installed a new pool and are giving some type of water aerobic classes. I

don't know if it will be right for me, but I think I will check it out when

I get back on my feet. I will also be asking my dr on Monday about what

type of rehab he will be recommending when I get out of the cast. I tore

all of the ligaments in my ankle about a year ago. After numerous tries of

casting to heal, it was finally decided that a fusion was the final answer.

I am praying that it is successful and I will be walking again by spring.

This has been a real eye opener for me and taught me a lesson or two on the

issues of health preservation. I guess we have to live and learn. Anyway,

thanks for the insight on the swimming.