Pain Free and Zooming through the Water

By GINNY PRYOR

There’s one good thing about
pain. You learn to truly appreciate
those moments, others may take for granted, when you’re pain free.

My back pain started in 1975 with
my third pregnancy and returned with
a vengeance in 1985. While making a bed I suddenly felt as if a hot knife
had plunged into my lower back. I couldn’t move for two days. Over the next 17 years, the pain would recur several times per year and it would
take as long as a week for me to be able to get up and move around the house.

During the early ‘80’s, I had run – um, jogged – in 10K races. We moved to Lancaster PA in 1985 and I stopped jogging shortly after when on two occasions, I was forced off the road by drivers who came too close for comfort.

In 1999, I had knee surgery and when I’d used up my allotted visits to physical therapy, I joined the local sports complex to take charge of my health. I joined an exercise class that I enjoyed and which got me back to regular exercise. However, over the next two years, it became apparent that something in that class was hurting more than helping. Unfortunately I couldn’t pinpoint the exercise(s) that I shouldn’t be doing or needed to adapt for my back.

By 2002, the daily pain – sharp, stabbing and shooting – had become disabling, and I scheduled an appointment with a neurosurgeon. In the meantime, I had tried NSAIDs and Vioxx for a short time. No relief. Then I tried physical therapy and I realized what they offered was what I had been doing at the class.

An MRI, x-ray and a bone scan were performed. The diagnosis was lumbar facet arthritis with a bit of scoliosis. So off to the pain management doctor where I received epidural injections for relief. But relief never came.

In January, the sports complex opened an enclosed pool. I stood in the shallow water on my first day and said out loud, “You are going to become my friend”. Little did I know. I attended water aerobics classes five to six days a week but I was there for a workout and everyone else was more into socializing. During the class, there were always a couple of lap lanes open, usually empty. I decided to begin swimming – though I had not swum in about 45 years and had never been comfortable with freestyle. It was a big deal for a 58-year-old woman to purchase swim goggles and a cap.

Late in 2004, at a health resort in Tucson, I first heard the word “mindfulness.” I followed up at home with an 8-week MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) course that included simple yoga postures. But I was beginning to feel that it was my lot to live with pain every day.

Last fall a friend in a HydroFit class, told me about a book she was reading that teaches humans to swim like fish. I asked to borrow it and was introduced to Total Immersion. I was hooked. Could I really learn to swim freestyle in a step-by-step process? In any case the book inspired me to resolve for 2006 to become sufficiently comfortable with freestyle to use it as my daily exercise for the rest of my life.


The book led me to the website and in late January, I purchased the Freestyle Made Easy DVD and Drill Cards. Everything they illustrated matched exactly what I had learned at pain management sessions: mindfulness, lengthening the spine, and relaxed, “connected” movement. I had also signed up for a Master’s program, even though I could not yet swim 25 yards. Still I was determined to do whatever it took to heal my back. After each Masters and Hydrofit class, I would stay in the pool and practice TI drills.

In mid April, I made an appointment for a 1-day Workshop on June 9th at the New Paltz Swim Studio. To prepare I became even more faithful with my drill practice. I had become extremely mindful when practicing and was told by several lifeguards that I was developing a long sleek bodyline. My back pain? I’d almost forgotten about it since beginning my TI practice.

Master’s ended in early May. My stamina had increased, but I instinctively knew those workouts caused me to practice struggle and weren’t good for my swimming or my back. The workouts had also made me dependent on fins. I hoped the Workshop would put struggle and fin dependence permanently in my past.

It is hard to express how valuable my day at the Studio was. The videotaping and immediate playback made me profoundly aware of what I was doing and how it affects my swimming. Seeing your stroke just seconds after you have completed a drill helps so much, and we did that all day. My coach Mike Trunkes kept saying to me and my husband Howard, “You’re doing great,” yet I was still a doubting Ginny. Swimming in the current does have a different feel. As we drove to New York City to visit two of our sons, I wondered if I would be able to maintain this new improved technique back in Lancaster.

As I write, it is nine days since the workshop and I want to walk on water and scream, “MIRACLE!” Before the session my SPL was over 30; now it’s under 20. The girl (60 year old woman) who would gasp for breath after 25 yards, now glides – no, zooms relaxed through the water. I’m swimming better without fins than I ever did with. I’m even confidently sharing a lane with good swimmers.

The followup resources are also helpful. I closely follow threads on the Discussion Forum and understand them. The DVD I brought home reminds me of my flaws and improvements. I just wish it had been shot this week because soooooo much has changed. I am on a swimmer's high.

As for my back, when I arrive at the pool, I have difficulty changing into my suit but after an hour of TI practice, I leave the pool relaxed and pain free. What better way could there be to begin my day? I know I’m on my way to swimming with comfort and ease for life and happily in tune with my body.

The words in the book and images on the DVD have taken on new meaning. I am so grateful for Total Immersion being such a part of my life. To anyone reading this who doubts whether they can learn to swim well, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Happy laps to all!

Through creative use of time, talent and money, Ginny Pryor has chosen to be a full time wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoys time with Howard, her supportive husband of 39 years, three children and 10-month-old grandson. Her garden, landscaped with perennials, herbs and a pond was once featured on a Lancaster garden tour. It is her favorite spot to sit and relax while watching the hummingbirds and listening to the pond waterfall. As an adult educator, she was a certified prepared childbirth instructor and also taught decorative painting. Her sewing machine should have an odometer. She says she can’t remember having a boring day. Something always interests her. Ginny’s daily motto is to eat healthy, exercise mindfully and reward yourself with a piece of dark chocolate.

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