Mermaiding with a disability

[AmyS]

Has anyone in the mer community been able swim using the undulating mermaid motion with a monofin or fabric tail despite having bad knees? (This is a 'long shot' of a question, I know!)

For over 2 years, I have suffered from patellofemoral synovitis. I am currently unable to go up or down stairs, kneel, squat, run, swim by kicking my legs, bend my knees more than 40 degrees, carry heavy things, walk in water or walk very far at all, in fact. I used to love swimming underwater, belly dancing and martial arts but I have not been able to exercise anything other than my arms and upper body for a long time due to the swelling and pain most exercises causes in my knees afterwards. My quads have atrophied due to lack of use. I have had to give up work due to my knee pain and am currently mostly confined to my house.

Despite being unable to swim normal strokes, I feel that being submerged in water is likely to be the only way in which I will be able to experience anything resembling full mobility again. My question is, do you think swimming with a monofin or mermaid tail would be suitable for someone suffering from knee pain?

I heard about an injured triathlete who used a 'dolphin kick' style of swimming stroke to exercise with bad knees and a bit more digging led me to the mer community. I love seeing how easily and comfortably mers move through the water.

[Mermaid Salty]

Hi Amy, and welcome! Honey, my heart aches at reading your story. Chronic pain is nothing to be trifled with. If you watch some freediving monofin training videos on youtube, you'll see that there really is little to no 'knee action' in a properly executed dolphin kick. I feel as though because you keep your legs together whilst swimming in a monofin, you create more stability and lessen the need to use your knees to propel yourself (by kicking, for example).

Exercising in the water can be very gentle if you want it to be so check with your doctor, always warm up and start with short sessions to see how your body reacts, and when you're looking for a monofin, get something smaller that is more lightweight so it won't cause unnecessary strain on your ankles and knees. I use a Mahina - on one hand, they're relatively cheap and pretty (and made of recycled rubber) but they weigh around 3kg which I personally don't think is ideal if you have joint issues. Even a Foil might be up your alley as a starting point.

From browsing these forums for the last few months, I've seen that there are quite a number of people here that have found or sought out this community because this particular activity can be a great source of comfort or relief for pain. Maybe someone else has had a similar experience?

[LeeniusUnicorn]

I agree with Salty. Good freediver technique uses abs and then pelvis to power the dolphin kick, the legs just follow. There should be very little pressure on the knees. I would still use a knee brace if you have one, or tape up the knee or both, and make sure to take care of it after, gentle stretches and ice and heat if it's bugging you.


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[Shaylee Moon]

Fibromyalgia runs in my family and Im in the process of being diagnosed and man I hurt soooooo much at times but I personally find it does not affect my ability to swim in fact sometimes I feel the weightess feeling water gives helps me hurt less. I cant say its the same but maybe my experience can serve as some sort of help.


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[AmyS]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I appreciate your time and advice. I really miss physical activity in general but after gently wading in chest high water for half an hour back in November left me with such a severe exacerbation of knee pain that I ended up on crutches, I've been afraid to get in the water again. It seemed as though the 'drag' created on my lower legs by the water caused my synovitis to flare up, perhaps because legs move differently when wading in water than they do when walking on land. I have been worried that a monofin might create the same sort of drag, even with a perfect dolphin stroke, but you have all made excellent points regarding the motion coming from the core of the body rather than the knees.

[Princess Kae-Leah]

I've got a pretty unusual perspective to share in a thread like this. I'm disabled, and I managed to make mermaiding work for me in a very unique way: without actually swimming. If you love mermaids and want to wear a tail, go for it! Without swimming, one can still take lots of photos and be active in the mer-community your own way. I started a Facebook group called Mental Mermaiding, which is dedicated to celebrating mermaids without a focus on athletic ability. To me, living a mer lifestyle is about what's in your heart, not who well one can swim.
Don't get me wrong here, if you've developed great swimming skills, more power to you. I realize especially that those who've developed their mer-swimming skills into a career are proud of their skills and accomplishments, and rightly so :). For many, mer-swimming has been an incredibly positive experience for them, and can even have health/fitness benefits. Still, I've always felt that this community's focus on athletic ability is very limiting, and not entirely inclusive for everyone. There can be so much more to leading a "mermaiding" lifestyle than just swimming. One can for example make ocean conservation issues a high priority in their life and try their best to live an eco-conscious lifestyle, and post mer photos as a "hook" to educate others about those issues, something I've also done a lot of. Mermaid-themed meditation is also something I've promoted, which may not have the exercise benefits of swimming, but can be good for one's stress level and such. I've even shared how I occasionally watch mermaid movies and TV shows in my tail, which may sound silly I know, but can be enjoyable nonetheless.

[merwandering]

I don't disagree with everyone else, but at the same time, it might be really helpful to work directly with a physical therapist, or seek specific advice of an orthopedic specialist- they could best help you evaluate what movements are beneficial, how to best build muscle and range of motion without unnecessarily risking more damage or pain. Even braces or taping- they could give you advice on specific ways to tape, how to support and address the needs of specific muscles, only because taping without addressing specific anatomical needs can actually leave some ligaments more vulnerable. I wouldn't at all want to dissuede you, quite the opposite. I think that aquatic movement could be perfect, because of less impact, less fighting with gravity, smoother motion, etc. But it could be safer or help you most efficiently build toward what you want if you had more information. The monofin or swimming a new stroke can easily cause strain and pain in even someone with no preexisting issue- I'd hate to see something potentially very helpful and fun cause you more problems

[LeeniusUnicorn]

Agree with Merwandering, I didn't specify about the brace or taping or go into detail but those are tools to get from PT first, if you haven't already which I'm guessing at this point you've at least seen them. My PTs and medical team have been great to work with and all have been excited by my mermaiding adventures and think it's great. My PT showed me great taping for my issues and always sees if I need more tape when I'm in, he also helps me adjust workouts and movements so they work for me. So they can be a great source of help and information. I know sometimes it takes "interviewing" a few to find the right one for you, but once you do it's awesome. I went through about 3 PTs until I found the perfect one when first dealing with my neck injuries but now I have an amazing PT.

[LouLouBelle]

I would agree with everyone who has recommended physio input (pt)

I would also strongly recommend orthotic input as well regarding knee braces. There are a LOT of different types of braces available, designed to deal with everything from specific ligament issues, arthritis, hyper extension, patella issues... and about 101 other things. So you need to make sure you're using the right one.

Your knees shouldn't flex much at all if you're executing the dolphin kick properly, but there will still be a fair bit of strain and tension in the muscles that extend your knees, so that in itself could cause problems.

It sounds like a brace to resist flexion and/or to apply a generalised compression to stabilise the knee joint would be a good idea.


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[Rinoa Opaltide]

I think talking with both a physical therapist and a swim instructor (once given the okay) would be a good way to start. Like others have said, a physical therapist can help you strengthen your leg muscles safely and teach you ways to help stablize your knees during exercise. A swim instructor can teach you proper technique and coach you through learning so that you can do it a safely as possible. A Finis Foil monofin (once you get to that stage) is a great recommendation. It is meant for training and is actually pretty gentle while giving excellent push. I have used a Foil, Finis Trainer, and a Mahina Merfin and found the foil to be the most comfortable and easy to use.

I am recovering from knee issues as well (shredded MCL surgically repaired, chronic patellafemoral issues) and PT has been helpful. Start slowly and don't push yourself too much.

Good luck!

[AniaR]

I am a professional mermaid of 9 years with a mobility disability, and several chronic illnesses. I have intense leg and hip pain! but I find mermaiding helps but I do have to balance it with physio and chiropractic care. My hips are bad and mermaiding does put a lot of pressure on your hips when you wear a silicone tail

[Shaylee Moon]

Yes the last post is true its always important to take it slow and have a professionals help if possible


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[LouLouBelle]

My hips are bad and mermaiding does put a lot of pressure on your hips when you wear a silicone tail

I can only imagine what mermaiding must do to existing hip pain...

If you have hip problems, the movements likely to make it worse are adduction (flexing your hips to bring your legs together), extension and internal rotation. Swimming in a tail does two out of the three!

(Random fact: horse riding is a really good way to exercise with your hips in a good position, as long as you're not riding sidesaddle.)

I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who manages to swim in a tail despite having hip problems.


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[AniaR]

yeah we're actually going to cover a bit of this in my documentary I am being filmed for. my doctor is going to be interviewed, show my hips scans etc, and show the range of motion to really illustrate it for people.

[AmyS]

Wow! I never imagined I'd receive so many responses to my questions. Thanks, everyone!

I am currently on my 4th physiotherapist and about to consult my 3rd orthopaedic specialist after having also seen 3 GPs, tried acupuncture and orthotics over the past couple of years. I have tried a few different knee braces and the compression made the synovial inflammation worse - something that worries me about tail swimming.

I am by this time expert at the McConnell taping technique, which is what allows me to accomplish what little mobility I am capable of; however, I can't imagine the tape lasting very long once submerged in water. I do intend to ask my physiotherapist and also 2 orthopaedic specialists their opinion of swimming in a monofin; however, it has been very helpful to hear from members of the mer community. You are the only ones who really know what is involved physically, whereas I am quite sure no one on my medical team will have ever heard of mermaiding!

Mermaid meditation was a particularly interesting suggestion because I have found Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction very helpful and also found practising breath hold technique while lying on a bed to be very relaxing. It also provides a feeling of accomplishment I can't get from physical activity when I see my breath hold times increasing. Hopefully I'll get to use it in the water some day.

[AmyS]

Rinoa Opaltide, are you currently swimming with a monofin or a tail despite your chronic patellofemoral issues? And if so, has it been helpful or a problem for you during your recovery?

[LeeniusUnicorn]

There are tapes that you can use that are water proof, ask your pt. I don't know the brand it is but the kind I use stays on for days, sweat, showers, physical exercise and this was tape on my feet. So it is out there.
It sounds like you are on the right path and have a team to help you!


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[Misty Lau]

I have a type of connective tissue disorder, an auto immune thing, that makes it so my joints very easily dislocate. My knees, though, are not as loose as my shoulders, and I hardly have problems with them. My shoulders do dislocate very often though. I haven't noticed a dolphin kick causing any problems. I think the difference between that and the other types of swimming is that dolphin kicks really don't involve much movement in the legs, like others have said. I really hope you are able to experience strength, and how cool would it be if it came through mermaiding! I'll keep you in my prayers- if that's alright. (:

[Rinoa Opaltide]

I don't have a functioning tail yet so my swims have been with a monofin only so far. I make sure to take things slow and do a few warm-up laps first. Then I put on my monofin and do laps with it on. I try to focus on the movement coming from my abs and hips rather than my knees. The Foil also places your feet at a good spacing apart so that your hips stay in better alignment as well. Usually I'll finish the session with a non-monofin cool-down lap. My sessions are usually fairly short 20-30 minutes all together (and I take short rests between laps). Having my legs working together seems to help versus swimming two-legged and I've noticed my ankles getting more tired than my knees from getting used to the monofin's weight/drag.

I am several years post-surgery but I still have bad knee days and have to pay attention to how it's feeling so I can avoid overworking it as best as possible. If it does start bothering me during a session, I end up stopping and doing a last non-monofin lap (if it feels up to it - sometimes on my back using mainly my arms). Then I'll take some anti-inflammatory meds and take it easy the rest of the day. The most important thing is just to listen to your body and take things slow - don't jump into a long session right away. If all you can manage at first is a single lap with the monofin, that's okay. Just work up to more/longer slowly.

Overall I like swimming with a monofin better than without because my legs can work together better so I feel stronger. It's not pefect and I'm still working on strength/stamina, but overall I think it's been more of a help to me than not. To be honest I'm still nervous how a tail versus a monofin will be on my knee, but I'll face that when I get to that stage.

[LouLouBelle]

I am currently on my 4th physiotherapist and about to consult my 3rd orthopaedic specialist after having also seen 3 GPs, tried acupuncture and orthotics over the past couple of years. I have tried a few different knee braces and the compression made the synovial inflammation worse - something that worries me about tail swimming.

I am by this time expert at the McConnell taping technique, which is what allows me to accomplish what little mobility I am capable of; however, I can't imagine the tape lasting very long once submerged in water.



It sounds like taping might be the way to go, assuming you can get ahold of the waterproof stuff.

If compression makes it worse, knee braces are definitely going to be tricky, if not impossible.

Having said that... given that the taping helps, it might be worthwhile trying a brace that stabilises the tracking of the patella (i.e. what the taping does).

Chances are you already have, but just in case you haven't, you might want to ask your orthotist about the following types of brace:


This would give the most support, but also the most compression.
http://www.djoglobal.com/products/donjoy/lateral-j


This is less supportive but also less compressive:
http://www.reh4mat.com/en/produkt/patella-tendon/knee-brace-okd-12/


... and finally the simplest type of patella strap.
http://www.beagleorthopaedic.com/products/knees/patella-ligament-support



I do realise you've probably tried all these already, but figured it wouldn't hurt to throw it out there, just in case!





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[LouLouBelle]

yeah we're actually going to cover a bit of this in my documentary I am being filmed for. my doctor is going to be interviewed, show my hips scans etc, and show the range of motion to really illustrate it for people.

That would be really interesting to see. Will the documentary be available online at any point?


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[AmyS]

AniaR, I would love to see your documentary when it is released. It sounds as though you have had a long career despite your condition - that's very inspiring.

[AmyS]

LeeniusUnicorn, thanks so much for the tip about waterproof tape. Perhaps I could place that over the top of the adhesive tape I require to shift my kneecaps into a more medial position and relieve the synovial impingement.

[AmyS]

Misty Lau, that must be a very difficult condition to live with. I'm glad you found a physical activity and means of self-expression you enjoy in mermaiding. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

[AmyS]

I don't have a functioning tail yet so my swims have been with a monofin only so far. I make sure to take things slow and do a few warm-up laps first. Then I put on my monofin and do laps with it on. I try to focus on the movement coming from my abs and hips rather than my knees. The Foil also places your feet at a good spacing apart so that your hips stay in better alignment as well. Usually I'll finish the session with a non-monofin cool-down lap. My sessions are usually fairly short 20-30 minutes all together (and I take short rests between laps). Having my legs working together seems to help versus swimming two-legged and I've noticed my ankles getting more tired than my knees from getting used to the monofin's weight/drag.

I am several years post-surgery but I still have bad knee days and have to pay attention to how it's feeling so I can avoid overworking it as best as possible. If it does start bothering me during a session, I end up stopping and doing a last non-monofin lap (if it feels up to it - sometimes on my back using mainly my arms). Then I'll take some anti-inflammatory meds and take it easy the rest of the day. The most important thing is just to listen to your body and take things slow - don't jump into a long session right away. If all you can manage at first is a single lap with the monofin, that's okay. Just work up to more/longer slowly.

Overall I like swimming with a monofin better than without because my legs can work together better so I feel stronger. It's not pefect and I'm still working on strength/stamina, but overall I think it's been more of a help to me than not. To be honest I'm still nervous how a tail versus a monofin will be on my knee, but I'll face that when I get to that stage.

Rinoa Opaltide, thank you so much for your comprehensive response! Mermaid Salty also recommended the Foil. It certainly sounds like the best thing to start with. How long have you been using it?

[AmyS]

It sounds like taping might be the way to go, assuming you can get ahold of the waterproof stuff.

If compression makes it worse, knee braces are definitely going to be tricky, if not impossible.

Having said that... given that the taping helps, it might be worthwhile trying a brace that stabilises the tracking of the patella (i.e. what the taping does).

Chances are you already have, but just in case you haven't, you might want to ask your orthotist about the following types of brace:


This would give the most support, but also the most compression.
http://www.djoglobal.com/products/donjoy/lateral-j


This is less supportive but also less compressive:
http://www.reh4mat.com/en/produkt/patella-tendon/knee-brace-okd-12/


... and finally the simplest type of patella strap.
http://www.beagleorthopaedic.com/products/knees/patella-ligament-support



I do realise you've probably tried all these already, but figured it wouldn't hurt to throw it out there, just in case!


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Thank you for the links! I have tried braces very similar to these and they exacerbated my knee pain. Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with my patella tracking. I have enlarged, inflamed membranes lining my joints that get pinched between my knee caps and the head of my femurs during activity.

[MermaidViviana]

I'm not sure this thread is still active, but I absolutely feel your pain. I have been working with a physical therapist off and on for lumbar back issues and the whole process is painful and frustrating. You start to feel like every day is about fighting your own body. I can no longer do so many things that I loved doing, anything fun seems to be off the table for good.
Part of my issue is that my body tries to compensate for my back issues, and it throws my hips out of whack constantly. I don't have one leg longer than the other, but my hips being pulled the way they are makes it seem like one is. So a huge part of my therapy has been about strengthening my hips and core, as well as my legs, so that I am able to move properly. It becomes a very careful balancing process, doing one exercise to one side, then something else to the other, until they are in alignment. Then, you have to do everything exactly together. I feel like I spent the whole winter either doing exercises that squeezed my knees together, or exercises I have to do with a yoga band tying my knees together. My legs are supposed to move simultaneously, the exact same way at the exact same time.
My PT also stressed the usefulness and importance of water exercises, pointing out, as you did, that a lot of pressure is taken off the body when it is allowed to move in water, and that it adds greater resistance for better results. Lately my husband and I have been going out to the lake and I have been doing my exercises in the water, which seems to be helping quite a bit. This gave me an idea. Legs stuck together + water exercise, equals mermaiding.
I have always been into mermaids, from Atargatis to Ariel, and I looked at mermaiding a few years ago, but had neither the time nor the funds to allocate to the hobby. I also didn't have much for water in the vicinity, so that was out. But now we have moved back to where I'm from, which is very near Lake Michigan, and have a little more leeway with funds.
I am planning to start slow, getting a monofin and practicing, always with my husband close by to help, not starting in very deep water, and having a pool noodle or a similar floatation device on hand in case I need it. I also will be working closely and doing a lot of consults with my physical therapist. I think as long as you're smart about it and very cautious, your reasons for thinking this might be a good idea are very sound. I hope it works out for both of us. Feel better.

[telzey.amberdon]

https://lucycorsetry.com/corset-benefits/physical-benefits-of-wearing-a-corset/ . might work.

[AmyS]

MermaidViviana, I am so sorry to hear you are suffering so much! You're clearly facing an immense hurdle and I know well what that feels like. I really hope mermaiding will be the answer for you.

I was horrified to discover that merely wading slowly in chest-high water caused a significant flare up of my knee pain that resulted in me returning to the use of crutches for a week in order to mobilise. I wish you the very best for your own attempts.

[Aquariana]

I also have chronic pain and my knees are bad. I went through Physical Therapy for a bit and it did help me get use of them a bit more than before. I was worried about using a monofin with my knees too but glad to see that it will be ok. I went for testing for Fibromyalgia but after a year into it the clinic changed out my doctor and new one wanted to start all over again and I said yeah ok I'm done with you all. I decided that I would take control of my own health which includes exercise regularly so that is what brought me to swimming again. I have yet to get in the pool since we have limited indoor pools here in Florida. I am originally from Ohio so this was a shock to me, we have plenty of indoor pools up there. I can't really be in sun too long due to having dark hair and it over heats my head and i get dizzy, I have fair skin so I burn easily, and I have signs of lupus showing up on my arms like my mom did and sun and lupus does not mix. So I am looking into a fitness club nearby if I can afford it.

[Shaylee Moon]

I also have chronic pain and my knees are bad. I went through Physical Therapy for a bit and it did help me get use of them a bit more than before. I was worried about using a monofin with my knees too but glad to see that it will be ok. I went for testing for Fibromyalgia but after a year into it the clinic changed out my doctor and new one wanted to start all over again and I said yeah ok I'm done with you all. I decided that I would take control of my own health which includes exercise regularly so that is what brought me to swimming again. I have yet to get in the pool since we have limited indoor pools here in Florida. I am originally from Ohio so this was a shock to me, we have plenty of indoor pools up there. I can't really be in sun too long due to having dark hair and it over heats my head and i get dizzy, I have fair skin so I burn easily, and I have signs of lupus showing up on my arms like my mom did and sun and lupus does not mix. So I am looking into a fitness club nearby if I can afford it.

Oh man, I totally understand, I had to wait until I was 21 to get an actual good doctor. I use to have the issue with dark hair when I was younger! But now thats its short and dyed its not too much! Im gonna get braids in though and that will definitely keep my hair healthier so thats an option too! But man Lupus and sun seriously dont mix. Maybe you can be like a deep sea mermaid that glows in the daaark ooooh!!!! And your pale too so it works!


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[Mermaid~Blue]

I don't know if this'll help at all, but here's my experience with mermaiding: I don't have very good knees, though they aren't terrible. Things like stairs, running or walking long distance do hurt them. Regular swimming causes my knees to ache, yet I find that mermaiding doesn't hurt them at all. I just have to be careful to not use my legs too much, letting them mostly follow behind me. I also find swimming with my tail easier then with just the monofin, keeps my legs from together and in sync.

Hope this was helpful :)

[AmyS]

I don't know if this'll help at all, but here's my experience with mermaiding: I don't have very good knees, though they aren't terrible. Things like stairs, running or walking long distance do hurt them. Regular swimming causes my knees to ache, yet I find that mermaiding doesn't hurt them at all. I just have to be careful to not use my legs too much, letting them mostly follow behind me. I also find swimming with my tail easier then with just the monofin, keeps my legs from together and in sync.

Hope this was helpful :)

That's encouraging! Perhaps I might manage with a monofin even though I can't wade in water. (Stairs, running, long walks and regular swimming are problematic for me, too.)

[Aquariana]

Oh man, I totally understand, I had to wait until I was 21 to get an actual good doctor. I use to have the issue with dark hair when I was younger! But now thats its short and dyed its not too much! Im gonna get braids in though and that will definitely keep my hair healthier so thats an option too! But man Lupus and sun seriously dont mix. Maybe you can be like a deep sea mermaid that glows in the daaark ooooh!!!! And your pale too so it works!


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Yes, deep sea mermaid sounds good to me. My hair is kind of falling out so I have it short right now because I hate finding long hairs everywhere. I did have pink hair last year only ends up to middle because I did not want to bleach roots since I already have hair loss issue due to health issues. I would like to do teal the next time I have long hair though.