Understanding Long-Distance Swimming: An Osteopath's Perspective

We are excited to feature Anya, a distinguished osteopath at Core Clapton, in our latest blog post. Anya’s journey in osteopathy began at the University College of Osteopathy, where she developed her skills and passion. With extensive experience treating chronic pain conditions, Anya is known for her patient-centred approach, focusing on holistic treatment to foster lasting health improvements and promote confidence and independence.

Recently, Anya participated in an Ironman event, tackling the challenging swimming portion of the race. This interview explores how her experience in this demanding endurance event has informed her osteopathy practice. We delve into the insights she gained, the parallels she draws between athletic training and therapeutic care, and how her sports experience enhances her ability to treat and empathize with her patients.

Hi Anya, congratulations on your recent participation in the Ironman Swim. Can you tell us more about it?

The Ironman swim is a 3.8km course that can take place in the sea, lakes, or canals. It forms part of the larger Ironman triathlon, which includes a 180km cycle and a marathon. Elite athletes complete the entire event in about 8 hours, with a sub-9-hour finish typically needed to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. For amateur participants, the race remains open for up to 15 hours. There are also shorter versions, such as the half Ironman, and variations like the aquabike (which excludes the run) and aquarun (which excludes the cycle).

I completed the swim portion of a recent event, as unfortunately my bike was stolen recently, and I hope to do a half Ironman next year.

How do you train for these events?

Training involves swimming in conditions like those of the race. If it's a sea swim, I practice in the sea, gradually building up to the full distance. Ideally, I would practice swimming the course, as it helps with familiarity. Otherwise, any continuous swimming without wall push-offs in a pool is beneficial. Wearing a wetsuit during training is also crucial as it affects technique, particularly shoulder range of motion and arm heaviness.

How does your experience as a long-distance swimmer influence your approach to osteopathy?

My experience allows me to relate closely to endurance athletes. I often prescribe swimming as part of exercise rehabilitation since the water provides an excellent environment for recovery. Swimming enhances joint range, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and spine, and cold-water swimming can boost mood.

What are common injuries and physical challenges faced by long-distance swimmers, and how do you address them?

Common issues include lower spine over-arching in the butterfly stroke, knee aggravation from breaststroke legs, and if there are big waves more demand is put on the neck, which may lead to strains particularly if single-side breathing. Swimming isn't weight-bearing, so it doesn't build bone density, and the radial nerve can be stressed in high catch positions. Addressing these involves tailored rehab exercises and sometimes filming the swimmer underwater to identify mechanical issues. Teaching yourself bilateral breathing patterns is key to facing differing sea conditions.

Can you explain how you assess and treat swimming-related injuries differently from other sports?

While the fundamental approach remains similar, I would ideally observe or film the swimmer in the water to understand the mechanics. If immediate pool access isn't possible, I set dry drills for rehab, such as lying prone on a bench and mimicking front crawl movements.

Treatment Techniques and Philosophy

What osteopathic techniques are most effective for preventing and treating swimming-related injuries?

Treatment depends on the swimmer and the stroke but typically involves extensive work on the shoulders, scapula, diaphragm, pelvis, legs, and neck. Since swimming is a full-body activity, the treatment requires a holistic approach.

How do you incorporate holistic and preventative care into your treatment plans for swimmers?

I recommend practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation to my clients. Yoga helps improve flexibility and core strength, while breathwork ensures they stay relaxed and maintain slow, efficient breathing in the water.

Can you share a success story where your osteopathic treatment significantly improved a triathlete’s performance or recovery?

I've helped runners with rehab programs that enabled them to race longer distances successfully. While much of their progress is due to their motivation and adherence to the exercise regimen, osteopathic treatment played a supportive role in their achievements.

Client Engagement and Education

How do you educate your clients about injury prevention and maintenance between sessions, especially for those involved in triathlon swimming?

I emphasize a gradual build-up in distance and endurance to avoid injury. Practicing transitions is also crucial, as moving from biking to running or swimming to biking can be disorienting and requires adjustment.

What advice would you give to triathletes looking to improve their swimming technique while minimizing the risk of injury?

Improving technique through small, incremental adjustments is key. Focus on different elements of the stroke in separate sessions, such as arms and catch or kick. Filming yourself and swimming in various environments also helps build confidence and adaptability.

Personal Insights and Motivation

What motivates you to continue working with triathletes and swimmers?

Triathlon is an inclusive sport that anyone can pursue with determination, offering a profound sense of achievement and promoting overall health and stamina. Helping athletes on this journey is incredibly rewarding.

How do you stay updated with the latest research and advancements in both osteopathy and triathlon swimming?

I keep up by reading relevant blogs, research papers, and triathlete news. Engaging with fellow triathletes and participating in new races also provides valuable insights.

Demonstrating Value to Clients

How do you tailor your treatments to meet the unique needs of each athlete, considering their training schedules and competition goals?

I discuss each athlete's past achievements and future goals, helping them set realistic, incremental targets. This personalised approach ensures they stay motivated and on track.

What feedback have you received from triathlete clients regarding your osteopathic treatments, and how have these influenced your practice?

Clients often report increased confidence and improved performance post-treatment. This positive feedback reinforces the value of tailored osteopathic care in their training regimens.

Closing Thoughts

What do you believe sets you apart from other osteopaths in terms of your ability to understand and treat triathlete swimmers?

While you don't need to practice a sport to treat its athletes effectively, personal experiences with similar challenges can enhance empathy and understanding. However, every athlete's journey is unique, and empathizing with their perspective is crucial for effective treatment.