Re: [Paddlewise] bursitis

"Coplan, Karl" wrote:

> Last fall I developed pain and swelling in my right elbow, which my HMO
> decided was bursitis.  The problem went away over the winter, but the pain
> has returned now that I am paddling regularly again.  I would hate to think
> that this condition will make stop paddling.  Anyone out there dealt with
> paddling induced bursitis in a way that did require you to give up paddling
> for lengthy time?

I haven't had bursitis, but ligament problems in both elbows.  I've changed
my technique, both in xc skiing (skating techniques) and paddling to
reduce the problem to near non-existance.  WRT paddling:

I started changing my paddling style last year and "cemented" the change
this spring.

I began working on not bending the elbow, using a low sweeping
paddle technique.  To do this, I hold the paddle at a low angle and dip the
blade in and rotate the torso alone.  I don't do the "punch with the top hand"
stuff at all, nor do I pull the lower hand by bending the elbow.

In May at the Georgian Bay SK Symposium, Mark Scriver*  taught basically
the same technique, but using a high-shaft-angle paddle position.  He states
that you use a relaxed, elbow down position (with somewhat bent elbows)
for a casual stroke and a high elbow, straighter-arm position for more
aggressive paddling.  The arm motion is initiated at the shoulder and the
paddling action comes from rotation of the torso only.  You don't so much
lock the elbows as just not bend them.  There is a point where you do have
to bend the elbow, and that is at the end of the stroke, when you lift the
blade out of the water.  This doesn't induce a problem for me, as there is
no real force acting through the elbow at this point in the stroke.

This technique really works at reducing my elbow problems.  For example,
on Saturday, I did a 5 1/2 hour paddle in relatively high winds and chop and
came out exhausted and suffering from the heat, but with no elbow strain
at all.  My pectorals were a tad tender, since they tend to take the bulk of
the load in paddling, tightening with each stroke.   I find it natural to switch
back and forth between the high- and low-angle paddle position just for
a change of pace.   My tempo in either position is much the same - relaxed.

Mike

*Mark is a SK instructor better known for being a past world champion in
WW OC1 rodeo.  He's also a rep for two paddle companies.

PS - towards the end of the day Saturday, I was paddling past a yacht club
working at getting really clean paddling technique.  I heard some guy
bellow "Now there's a good stroke!"   As I turned to acknowledge the
compliment, I realized he was referring to the young woman in a racing
canoe who was catching up to me rather energetically!



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