An open-water experience that reflects the same values applied in his medical practice as a shoulder surgery specialist.
Challenging the open waters between the Cíes Islands and the coast of Vigo is not an impulsive decision. It is a demanding challenge that requires concentration, technique, and complete control of the body. Dr. Ricardo Aveledo, a specialist in shoulder diagnosis and surgery, chose to complete this crossing for the same reason that guides his medical work: a commitment to functional movement, biomechanical balance, and personal improvement without artifices.
More than a crossing: a connection with mobility
The Cíes–Vigo Crossing is one of Spain’s most iconic open-water swimming events, covering a 10-kilometer route across open sea. Facing it requires careful planning and precise execution—two qualities that also define Dr. Aveledo’s work in the operating room.
As a shoulder specialist, he understands better than anyone the importance of every stroke, every joint angle, and every sustained effort. This experience was not only a physical challenge, but also an opportunity to observe from within the fundamental role the shoulders play in a discipline such as long-distance swimming.
A challenge that unites science and real experience
During the crossing, Dr. Aveledo experienced firsthand what many of his patients go through: the desire to move without pain, to maintain functionality, and not to give up when fatigue appears. This practical knowledge complements his academic and international training, adding value to his clinical approach.
It is not a sporting feat, but rather an example consistent with his medical philosophy: caring for the joints to preserve what is most valuable in the human body—its ability to move freely and with control.
Movement, precision, and responsibility
Whether in open water or in the operating room, Dr. Aveledo applies the same principles: rigorous preparation, technical mastery, and a comprehensive approach to movement. Participating in this crossing is a natural reflection of his commitment to shoulder health—an essential and complex joint for physical autonomy.
From the initial assessment to medical discharge, every patient who comes into his care can trust a professional who not only studies the joint, but understands it through experience, knowledge, and respect for its functional importance.