How Swimmers Can Support Their Body In and Out of the Water
Swimming is a great way to support endurance and build strength. It’s a low-impact workout that some medical professionals may even recommend during the later stages of recovery from an injury. Whether you’ve taken up swimming as a part of your recovery plan or it’s your favorite way to exercise, supporting your body in and out of the water is essential.
While taking it easy in the water can be a safe option for recovery, competitive swimmers and anyone who uses swimming as their primary form of exercise could encounter injuries. Just because swimming is a low-impact exercise doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of injury. It’s important for anyone who enjoys swimming to understand how to support and protect their body with sports braces, effective stretches, and these other tips.
Learning About Different Kinds of Injuries
It’s always a good idea to learn about the different kinds of injuries you could encounter while swimming. With that said, some base knowledge of injuries certainly doesn’t replace the advice and opinion of a medical professional. Still, it may help you recognize when you need professional care and how to proceed.
Swimming injuries are often caused by overuse, stressing a more minor injury without giving it time to rest. After discussing your options with a medical professional, you may be able to continue swimming with the help of compression and stability from a brace. If you enjoy other water sports, such as surfing, diving, or kayaking, keep in mind that you may be at greater risk for an acute injury (one related to a single incident of trauma to a muscle, tendon, or ligament).
Protecting Joints, Tendons, and Ligaments
The areas of your body that are more likely to experience the effects of swimming can include wrists, shoulders, backs, and even knees. After talking to a medical professional about your discomfort, they may recommend a brand that designs and develops all sorts of products, from wrist braces to knee compression sleeves. With the right brace or sleeve, you can support your body out of the water so you can get back to swimming as soon as possible.
Some braces are even designed to be worn while you swim or are safe to wear underwater. These products are usually made with a material like neoprene, but there are plenty of options on the market. Be sure to check the product description and the FAQ section if you’re looking for a brace you can use in the water. These sections can reveal if a product is water-safe and how to care for the product after your swim session.
Further Benefits of Using a Brace for Swimming
If you find a product you can wear in the water, swimming with a wrist, elbow, or knee brace helps alleviate discomfort with gentle compression so your joints can move more naturally. They should not get in your way. Braces are also a good idea for surfers and divers as they can help stabilize and distribute weight.
Stretching and Focusing on Mobility
Another great way to support your body outside of the water is with complementary exercises and stretching. Think of exercises that pair well with your swimming goals. Yoga and Pilates are great because they can help stretch your limbs and allow you to practice active recovery. They can also assist with strength-building. Running or any form of cardio is great for endurance training, and you may see positive effects when you swim laps. If you try running and need some additional support, you can use knee running support braces to reduce the risk of discomfort.
About DonJoy®
Support your physical health with reliable sports bracing products from DonJoy®. DonJoy designs and develops recovery tools and sports bracing options that medical professionals trust and recommend. Their collection of ankle, arm, back, knee, and shoulder braces helps compress, distribute weight, and support alignment for your joints during active and stationary recovery. Manufactured by Enovis, DonJoy’s products are high-quality, reliable options for protection, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Explore their wide selection to discover the best brace for your situation with the help of their Injury Info Center and Bracing Advisor tool. Whether it’s your first time wearing a brace or you’re familiar with their practical application, DonJoy can help you find your ideal brace. That way, you can support your body and continue enjoying the activities you love most.
Support your body in and out of the water with DonJoy at https://www.donjoystore.com/