Broken arm and getting back to swim

[Anonymous]

10 year old broke her arm in May. She is now returning to swim per doc. As to abilities, qualified for JOs this year at 9. Can anyone tell me their experiences with getting back in swim shape, getting mobility back. Did you do PT? Break was in upper arm, was in sling, not cast. She is doing summer swim. Any tips/suggestions/things to do/not do would be appreciated. I know it will take time

[Anonymous]

Swimming was my son's PT. His doctor was so impressed at his next appointment that we didn't have to come back. Slowly work up to it, and ensure she has proper form. She will be back to her pre-break ability in no time.

[Anonymous]

I guess that is what I am concerned about. I don't feel like summer coaches correct form. I can ask them about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess that is what I am concerned about. I don't feel like summer coaches correct form. I can ask them about that.

You know, you could get her extra private swim lessons to fix form and consider that your “physical therapy” budget.

Seriously, you’ll get a lot more out of it. Maybe one appointment with a Sports specialized Physical Therapist to get a sense if she should avoid any strokes and how much time to practice/when to take breaks/etc.

[Anonymous]

OP. Excellent point on private lessons. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

They’ll get back in shape before you know it. I’d ask the ortho doctor about PT evaluation. They won’t recommend therapy unless it’s needed.

[Anonymous]

My kid had a complete fracture that required surgical repair and a cast from fingers to mid-upper arm for almost 3mo. The only issue in returning was stamina. So it is a perfect time to ease back in with summer swim starting.

I agree with emphasis and potentially privates for form in case she is favoring or compensating in any way.

[Anonymous]

My 15-yo son broke his arm in April and was in a cast for 4 weeks. He would go to practice sometimes and just kick for about half an hour, but the lanes were crowded so he couldn’t kick the whole time so he was out of the water for the most part of those 4 weeks. At his first post-broken-arm meet last weekend he dropped a good amount of time in all but one event. Your 10-yo is likely to bounce back even faster!