Hi Suzi, I've seen lots of competitive swimmers that look just like that picture. I equate the term swayback with hyperlordosis - like a gymnast at the end
of her dismount...but not that severe. Rona or Gordon can probably say more, but I would say yoga would definitely help to bring her more into a neutral
posture alignment. She'd need to work toward it gently, like every day or 5 or so times per week, I think. Not just one or two classes per week. Those
problems start as muscular ones, but can eventually become skeletal ones that can't be easily corrected.
Don't know if you need any help with suggestions for her, but I would give her some easy chest and shoulder openers to do as homework every day. Like lying over a bolster or ball in a gently draped backbend for several minutes a day would be excellent. Add a couple of shoulder stretches with the strap. Reclining leg stretches with strap or, better, reclining leg stretches with legs on a wall would be great. You can easily have her do the forward bends you do in class on her back. I'd also make sure she does some back strengthening work, like baby cobras, on a regular basis. Those will help her open her chest and build strength in her back necessary to hold a more neutral posture. Cat pose would be excellent too.
As Erich says, "Do it a lot...gently." That really is the key.
Don't know if you need any help with suggestions for her, but I would give her some easy chest and shoulder openers to do as homework every day. Like lying over a bolster or ball in a gently draped backbend for several minutes a day would be excellent. Add a couple of shoulder stretches with the strap. Reclining leg stretches with strap or, better, reclining leg stretches with legs on a wall would be great. You can easily have her do the forward bends you do in class on her back. I'd also make sure she does some back strengthening work, like baby cobras, on a regular basis. Those will help her open her chest and build strength in her back necessary to hold a more neutral posture. Cat pose would be excellent too.
As Erich says, "Do it a lot...gently." That really is the key.
sandy
