Medical study after study demonstrate that good ol’ TLC (Tender Loving Care) is an indispensable part of helping humans recover and rehabilitate from injuries and illnesses.
Randomized tests, controlled tests and double-blind research trials have proven that the “care effect” is a vital part of helping sick and injured people to feel better. The healing power of enabling patients to express themselves to an empathetic care giver (physician, nurse, spouse, or friend) is known among practitioners of alternative medicine and an increasing number of mainstream physicians. Friendly verbal interaction and even the comforting touch of another human are seen as important elements of treatment where drugs and surgery do not provide the sole solution.
Whether open water swimmers suffer from a shoulder injury, worry about an upcoming swim, lack of training or lack of confidence, or are just plain ill, this care effect can also be part of their success equation.
To talk about one’s worries, training plans, pace, race strategies or swimming techniques with a coach or friend – an open water swimming care giver if you will – is essential and refreshing. Communication can be virtual through an online forum or via email, but frequent face-to-face talks with a fellow swimmer often lead to a boost in confidence and comfort. From the swimmer’s perspective, questions, worries and brainstorming ideas are great to express and bounce off the friendly ears of a fellow athlete. Right or wrong, unusual or traditional, opinions and questions are great to get out in the open with someone genuinely interested in helping.
From the listener’s perspective, listening is important. Offering advice and alternative ideas are also welcomed especially if the feedback is provided in a non-pressured, non-judgmental, positive manner. Sharing the passion between swimmer and listener is a great way to boost the odds of success. And sharing time between swimmer and listener is a proven way to get a swimmer out of their funk if they are feeling blue or lacking confidence.
As in the medical profession, Tender Loving Care is just what the patient-swimmer needs.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Source