How Kate Douglass Has Incorporated Pilates, PT into Her Routine After Knee Issue Last Season

2026 Indianapolis Pro Series

Video captured by Anya Pelshaw. 

Kate Douglass has put on a dominant performance in Indianapolis so far, taking wins in the 200 IM (2:07.04) and 200 Breast (2:21.65), winning both head and shoulders over the field. When asked about her swims, though, Douglass wasn’t so impressed. She feels tired and would like the times to be a little faster, but is trying to keep in mind that this is just a training meet.

Douglass also revealed that last year, she was experiencing pain in her knee during breaststroke training, causing her to swim less of the stroke in practices as well as take precautions outside of the pool. This took the form of pilates, physical therapy, and skipping team dryland sessions in favor of stretching and preventative exercises.

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AragonSonof Arathorn
33 minutes ago

she’s unrested just went 2:07 flat in the 2IM. Unreal

(The Other) UVA Fan
53 minutes ago

I wonder if she needed a TUE for the cortisone shot.

The unoriginal Tim
Reply to  (The Other) UVA Fan
50 minutes ago

Plenty of folks having cortisone in high level sports. I think Chalmers and Campbell have been very open on social media about it in the past.

Last edited 50 minutes ago by The unoriginal Tim
Fanatical Freestyler
Reply to  The unoriginal Tim
32 minutes ago

Yes, I remember Michael Phelps remarking that he took two cortisone shots before the Rio Olympics.

SwimGB
Reply to  The unoriginal Tim
4 minutes ago

In the US and Australia these are provided frequently in an inadvertent manor to enhance performance levels.

Admin
Reply to  (The Other) UVA Fan
2 minutes ago

Cortisone shots are only banned in competition, no TUE needed as long as there is an appropriate ‘wash-out’ period before a meet.

Might’ve gotten one just in case.

Fanatical Freestyler
1 hour ago

I started getting knee pain during breaststroke at 16, and wasn’t really guided to PT or exercises. The treatment was rather, just skip this breast race and don’t train it for a while and hopefully it will improve lol. It never did unfortunately, but thankfully breast was only my 3rd best stroke.

I do not believe the human knee was built for breaststroke kick! Particularly mine, as I have some compounding factors that make that specific knee more susceptible to stress and pain.

I hope Douglass is able to remain healthy and at her peak.

Bossanova
1 hour ago

Hopefully she squats to full depth. It’s far better for the knees

summerbreezin
1 hour ago

she’s so cute. (blasphemy!!!)

Tani
1 hour ago

She seems extremely professional in her approach, not surprised she has been so successful

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

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