Re: [Paddlewise] Shoulder and Rotator Cup Problems

Hi Pwisers....

Dave wrote:

A physical therapist who spoke to our Sierra Nevada Canoe & Kayak Club
recently emphasized that any repeated physical activity in which the elbow is
repeatedly worked in a position higher than ones shoulder, such as paddling,
will lead to shoulder problems. 


Duane wrote:

>Paddlewisers,
> 
>I switched to a high vertical stroke a few years ago and haven't had shoulder problems since then. However, I think it has more to do with keeping the upper hand level rather than letting it come down on the push part of the stroke and using body rotation rather than the arms. I see very few paddlers who actually rotate their bodies, even though they swear they are rotating. I also lift weights (for many years) and do 5 types of dumbbell lifts that focus on the shoulders. You have to keep those shoulders strong.
>

It is absolutely necessary to avoid hyperextending the shoulder joint, 
but this does not rule out a vertical stroke. I think that two things in 
particular contribute to hyperextension during attempts to develop a 
vertical stroke.  One is a paddle that's too long for the stroke. I've 
seen paddlers whose hands were well above their foreheads as they 
attempted vertical strokes while trying not to bury their paddles to 
inefficient depths.  Another culprit is harder to spot and probably much 
more common -- slumped shoulders.  If the shoulders are slumped forward, 
then even a horizontal arm will be on the verge of hyperextending the 
shoulder.  By elevating the sternum and letting the shoulders fall back, 
you improve your strength and efficiency, and greadtly reduce the 
probability of shoulder injury.  So: if you want a vertical stroke, sit 
up like your mother told you to, and borrow a shorter paddle. 
    PS: Duane is right on the money about rotation and about working to 
build up shoulder strength.


Bob Volin
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