Master Your Stroke: Sunday Swim Clinic
Back by popular demand, the Swim Stroke Clinic at PainConnect 2026 is making waves again, and you’re invited to jump in. Join AAPM Executive Director, Sharon Kneebone.
A Personal Approach from a Proven Coach
Held in the serene indoor pool at the Spa in the Grand America Hotel, the Swim Stroke Clinic is more than a casual dip. Sharon Kneebone brings decades of experience as a former collegiate swimmer, certified personal trainer, and USA Swimming coach.
What sets this clinic apart is Sharon’s athlete-centered philosophy: meet swimmers where they are, and provide them with simple, confidence-building drills that enhance body awareness, streamline movement, and reduce energy waste.
“I focus on helping swimmers become more efficient by teaching them how to move around their center of buoyancy, not their center of gravity,” says Sharon. “And we do it all while having fun.”
Attendees in past years included PM&R physicians, industry colleagues, and fellow conference attendees looking for movement-based wellness during the meeting. This year, we expect an even more diverse turnout as word continues to spread.
What to Expect: All Levels Welcome
Whether you:
Haven’t swum since med school
Swim for fitness and want to refine your freestyle
Are preparing for a triathlon or open water race
You’ll benefit from guided drills, technique analysis, and practical feedback. Sharon will cover all four competitive strokes with a focus on:
Improving stroke mechanics
Increasing swim efficiency
Breathing techniques for endurance
Injury prevention for medical professionals and active adults
And yes, the photo you see is Sharon swimming butterfly at a Masters time trial. You’ll be learning from someone who not only teaches technique but lives it.
Wellness Meets Professional Renewal
PainConnect 2026 isn’t just about CME and clinical innovation—it’s about creating space for whole-person wellness. The Sunday morning Swim Stroke Clinic is designed to help you start your day energized, clear-headed, and connected.
Quick Details:
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 6:45 am
Where: Indoor Pool, Grand America Hotel Spa
Cost: Included with PainConnect 2026 registration, ticket required
What to bring: Swimsuit, goggles, optional swim cap, towel
Space Is Limited – Secure Your Spot Now
There is no additional fee for this clinic; however, space is limited and fills up quickly. Be sure to indicate your interest when registering for PainConnect 2026 to guarantee your place in the pool.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, cross-train, or challenge yourself in a supportive environment, the Swim Stroke Clinic delivers a fresh and energizing way to close out your PainConnect experience.
See you in the water!
Meet Your Coach: Sharon Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE
Sharon Kneebone started swimming competitively at age 10 in San Diego, joining her first team during a free two-week trial (without telling her parents). She went on to swim through high school and college, earning a varsity letter as a freshman and qualifying for the East Coast Conference in all her breaststroke events at Towson University, where she also held a Top 10 time in the 50-Breast.
Her specialties include Breaststroke, Butterfly, and IM, and she continued competing in Masters Swimming with Top 10 age-group finishes in the 100 IM and 50 Fly.
Sharon has over a decade of coaching experience, including five years with the Andover Swim Team and five years with Greater Baltimore Swim Association (USA Swimming). As a certified personal trainer and former fitness director, she brings a strong foundation in athletic conditioning and movement. Sharon has offered multiple swim clinics in recent years to participants who want to learn how to move better in the water.
Her clinics focus on meeting swimmers where they are, building confidence, and creating streamlined efficiency in the water, all while keeping it fun.
