View From The Treatment Room at Hednesford Town FC

For me swimming is a great exercise because it is ideal for any age and/or athletic ability. Of course it is wise to consult with your doctor first before you take up exercise again. I encourage players who are trying to get fit, especially when they are coming back from an injury, to get some time in the pool which compliments any treatment given.

Players quite naturally get frustrated with themselves as they hate being injured. They try and come back too early to train when the injury requires at least 5 days REST. This is because the body is going through an inflammation stage. Running on hard surfaces does not help in the early stages of an injury so that is why I advise to try another way to maintain fitness while having `active rehabilitation`. A swimmer will use practically the same muscles as a runner as they will use muscles in the upper and lower body to propel themselves through the water.

Swimming is safe and it incorporates the activity of stretching, of yoga and a dance class. There is NO stress on the knee and ankle joints because they are being supported by the buoyancy of the water. Swimming three times a week for 25 minutes will quickly strengthen the body and give you more energy. If you have back ache it can help it. Asthmatics benefit because of the humid atmosphere of the pool help to breathe better and improve lung function. It strengthens the heart muscle. It will help the body to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the working muscles more efficiently.

A lot of people swim during their lunch break which is a great stress breaker. It smoothes the mind of the worries and cares of the day during the session. It sets them up with renewed energy and a clear head for the rest of the day.