Re: [Paddlewise] stiffness

From: <HTERVORT_at_aol.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 20:16:44 EST
In a message dated 1/19/00 2:20:42 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
paddler_at_loxinfo.co.th writes:

> big snip
>  I have a bit of difficulty believing that stiffness is a major contributor
>  to joint injuries. big snip

I'm no doctor, Dave, but I am a believer.

Some years ago, all the hot shredders in WW and Rodeo went to stiff carbon 
paddles.  They then did an about-face and started looking for more flexible 
shafts because they felt they were getting far more overuse injuries with the 
stiffer graphite shafts.  I seem to remember similar histories in golf and 
baseball, and have experienced troubles with overly-stiff tennis rackets.  I 
also know that I have fewer problems when I use flexible wood paddles.

Can't explain it, but I believe it is analogous to running on hard surfaces 
without proper shock-absorbing shoes.  The sudden, shocking loads put on the 
body cause micro-tears in muscle and tendon fibers, which causes soreness, 
swelling and possibly other overuse symptoms.

Just thinking out loud.

Harold
Whose body sometimes objects to stiff abuse 
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Received on Wed Jan 19 2000 - 17:17:57 PST

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