Chronic injury: can I turn to swimming?

Hi,

I used to be a runner (circa 25 miles per week) and avid hiker. 3 years ago suffered a running injury which I compounded hiking a mountain.

After 3 years of physio, daily exercises, MRIs etc it as been diagnosed as glute mede tendinosis. MRIs over the years show consistent scarring, with no further degradation or improvement. During this time, I have always managed to slightly improve but hit a 'ceiling', past which I relapse if I push myself. Current situation is that I can't jog, can hike maybe circa 5 miles, and cycling 10 miles or so (infrequently).

My fitness is poor. I have struggled to hit any sustained elevated heart rate during this time. I need to try and find an way to exercise again. I had started to swim immediately pre-covid, but hadn't done enough sessions to see if I would be able to.

Ramble over, and now my question: How intensive is swimming on the glute med? Which strokes would be preferable? (guessing crawl over breast stroke). Any other advice r.e. swimming, or ideas on alternative forms of exercise?

Cheers!

submitted by /u/Chafelaaa
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