Can Zoomers Cure a Torn Hamstring?

No - not by themselves they can't. But, surprisingly, it seems they can play an important part in the rehabilitation.

So, what are the steps to rehabbing a torn hamstring? We all know the first step: R.I.C. E. = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

The second step? Stretching.

And the third? Strengthening.

OK. Pretty logical, but what does that have to do with zoomers?

My new zoomers arrived Friday, and they came with a pretty detailed enclosure giving lots of tips and techniques for getting the most out of them. Here's what it says under the 'Improving Strokes" section about the backstroke:

"... The muscles on the back of the upper leg (i.e. the hamstrings - my parens) are weaker than those on the front of the upper leg ( i.e. the quadriceps - my parens again). Kicking downward in the water offers more resistance than kicking upward. Backstrokers kick down against more resistance with weaker muscles. Zoomers fins work these weaker muscles much more. As these leg muscles strengthen (the hamstrings - me again), your kick will push you up higher in the water and you will swim considerably faster."

In other words, lying on my back and kicking with the zoomers will not only improve my conditioning and make me fitter and a better, faster swimmer, they will do this by strengthening my hamstrings. And stronger hamstrings should not only help heal my injury, but also lessen the chances that it will happen again. All that for $29.99. Who knew? I'm getting to like these things more and more.

So, during my swim workout this afternoon, I set some time aside aside for therapy - lying on my back, and zooming.