Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 Well, this is one time when I disagree. If one is a swimmer who does the right kind of breathing for the crawl, one can adjust the timing to address the back problems. I read a book on this, and practiced for a long time. I haven't done it lately, but am waiting for my local " Y " to build its pool so that I can do it again. When doing the Australian crawl along with its breathing, it is possible to go along at a slow pace without bringing the legs up! The thing is to go at it slowly. That takes some thought, too. Because the crawl basically begins with the " dead man's float " that may be one way to try this. Go into the float slowly, then slowly begin to use the arms in the crawl. If the body is placed correctly in the water, it is possible to use the arms (slowly) and to breathe from side to side(slowly) without bringing up the knees, so to speak. I do this. One of my doctors confirmed today that it is the best exercise I can do. So, this is probably the only time I have taken exception with advice here at HARMS! Sorry! I will say, though, that if one does not know how to do the proper breathing and the " dead man's float " , this won't work. Always, Carole M. the elder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 Carole, I believe I'm with you on this one. I've developed a crawl that works pretty well for me, with the hips bent a bit and the head down. I'm also careful to turn the whole body when I turn for air. I know my neck won't go far enough by itself, and I don't want any thoracic twisting. I do a little breast stroke as well, but don't much like it because I can't arch my back, and it's hard to do without tipping the head too far back. I do use it for warm-up and cool-down, though, as well as elementary backstroke for breathers every couple of laps. I'm up to 21 laps, which is more than half a mile and takes me about 42 minutes. I did it today and I do feel good. When I get around to seeing Dr. Rand and/or Glazer, I'll be sure to inquire as to the safety of swimming this way. Meanwhile, I believe the aerobic benefits and the toning of the muscles that support my spine far outweigh the risks. Re: welcome Cy Well, this is one time when I disagree. If one is a swimmer who does the right kind of breathing for the crawl, one can adjust the timing to address the back problems. I read a book on this, and practiced for a long time. I haven't done it lately, but am waiting for my local " Y " to build its pool so that I can do it again. When doing the Australian crawl along with its breathing, it is possible to go along at a slow pace without bringing the legs up! The thing is to go at it slowly. That takes some thought, too. Because the crawl basically begins with the " dead man's float " that may be one way to try this. Go into the float slowly, then slowly begin to use the arms in the crawl. If the body is placed correctly in the water, it is possible to use the arms (slowly) and to breathe from side to side(slowly) without bringing up the knees, so to speak. I do this. One of my doctors confirmed today that it is the best exercise I can do. So, this is probably the only time I have taken exception with advice here at HARMS! Sorry! I will say, though, that if one does not know how to do the proper breathing and the " dead man's float " , this won't work. Always, Carole M. the elder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 You are right, Sharon! You are doing exactly what I meant! I forgot to mention turning the whole body instead of the neck. I have the neck trouble, too. You described it even better than I did. I can't wait to get back to doing it. And, I must say, the number of laps you do is absolutely outstanding! Congratulations! Sincerely, Carole M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 Thanks, Carole! Re: welcome Cy You are right, Sharon! You are doing exactly what I meant! I forgot to mention turning the whole body instead of the neck. I have the neck trouble, too. You described it even better than I did. I can't wait to get back to doing it. And, I must say, the number of laps you do is absolutely outstanding! Congratulations! Sincerely, Carole M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 Where did you hear this, Kathleen? welcome Cy Unfortunately the normal breast stroke is very bad for us fused in the lumbar area with harrington rod. Swimming a forward stroke of any kind is adding to the distractive force the rod is placing against the lumbar area and wil help accelerate the progression of flatback or disc degeneration. I highly reccomend you revert to a doggie paddle or do the back stroke as i do which has little force on the lumbar spine. One of my spine docs said that was the telltale of the beginning of my flatback. i wasn't able to bring my legs up behind me properly when i swam forwards/breast stroke, crawl whichever way i went forwards my legs would drop down behind me and i couldn't do those nice kickouts beind me... just a thought on how you will preserve your spine. I had revision in 1998 and i do deep water aqua aerobics and back stroke laps and lots of stretching in the water. I use a waterski belt to keep upright as i found the belts sold for watersize were conformed and made for someone not with scoliosis. www.overtons.com $15.00 for a belt and it works fantastic. i exercise and fool around in the pool and don't drown. I do take it off and tread water for a few miinutes as well because that makes every single muscle in my body workout as well. That keeps my muscles really well toned and defined. this coming from a self professed bed potatoe but it works and it is the only way i exercise!.. the lower your fusion the higher the risk of problems.. kathleen in nj wishing you many peaceful moments TwistedSister in NJ 1982 Scoliosis Harrington fusion, 1998 Revision A/P Surgery for Flatback Syndrome, 1998 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, 1999 Degenrative SI Joints, 2000 Weight Loss Surgery, 2000 Spinal Hardware Removed, 2001 Cervical bulging discs, 2002 Arachnoiditis, 2002 GERD, 2002 Adhesions, 1993 Mitral Valve Prolapse, 1996 Fibromyalgia, 2001 Kidney Stones, 2003 Interstitial Cystitis, May 2003 Anterior spine hardware removal ** LIFE IS UNCERTAIN.............EAT DESSERT FIRST ** Harrington Rod scoliosis people and other post-op multiple spine surgery people may interested in the following website dedicated to Flatback Syndrome and revision/salvage spine surgery... " Salvaged Sisters of Scoliosis " website on Delphi Forums at: http://forums.delphiforums.com/adultscoliosis/messages Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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