Pulled lat muscle - okay to swim?

jenm9499

Hi,
I'm new to MFP and have lost a little over 9 lbs in the last 5 weeks. I'm just starting to love exercising and hitting my 45 minutes 5x a week goal. 3 days ago I pulled the lat muscle in my back picking up something I shouldn't have and haven't been able to exercise for 2 days due to the pain. Has anyone had this happen and if so did you find swimming (or something else) beneficial to getting back on the horse? Thanks so much, in advance for your replies.

47Jacqueline

Go see a chiropractor if you're sure it's from overuse, or an orthopedist if you suspect it is more than that.

Pinkylady80

I'm a swim teacher and recommend swimming for lots of ailments. You are weightless in the water so it puts no pressure on injuries. You don't even need to do actual swimming, even just moving about in the water should help you

armylife

jenm9499 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm new to MFP and have lost a little over 9 lbs in the last 5 weeks. I'm just starting to love exercising and hitting my 45 minutes 5x a week goal. 3 days ago I pulled the lat muscle in my back picking up something I shouldn't have and haven't been able to exercise for 2 days due to the pain. Has anyone had this happen and if so did you find swimming (or something else) beneficial to getting back on the horse? Thanks so much, in advance for your replies.

When most people say pulled muscle they are talking about either a muscle strain or tear. If you strained a lat muscle most forms of swimming will cause aggravation since the lats are used to propel you while swimming. Most minor muscle strains take at least a week to two to heal. Healing time will depend on the severity of the strain. Grade two and three strains can take much longer to heal. I would recommend using the RICE treatment protocol and be patient as your body recovers. (Rest, ice, compression, elevation, and taking an appropriate dosage of NSAIDs.)

Sam_I_Am77

jenm9499 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm new to MFP and have lost a little over 9 lbs in the last 5 weeks. I'm just starting to love exercising and hitting my 45 minutes 5x a week goal. 3 days ago I pulled the lat muscle in my back picking up something I shouldn't have and haven't been able to exercise for 2 days due to the pain. Has anyone had this happen and if so did you find swimming (or something else) beneficial to getting back on the horse? Thanks so much, in advance for your replies.

Aside from helping to maintain one's posture, the Lats are involved in extension of the arm which is going to be a big part of swimming. From a recovery stand-point you should give it a little bit of a rest but I guess you could always try and see how it works-out for you.

jenm9499

Thanks so much to all of you for the great advice. Over the last couple of days I've been resting, icing and taking ibuprofen and for the most part I'm able to function somewhat normally even though exercise has been out of the question. I decided to give swimming a go this morning for about 30 minutes and it seemed to be okay. I'm actually finding that not moving is making it feel more sore and stiff than actual activity. Frustrating to say the least. I'm also making an appointment to see the chiropractor (and perhaps a massage therapist) soon as well to see if that may help. Really appreciate everyone's feedback. This is such a great group for advice and support.