injury rehabilitation thru swimming

Question
I've been told by my doctor to limit my swim strokes to just breast or sidestroke (I've had rc surgery on one shoulder and it's never quite been right since). I've increased my endurance to around 1.5miles per session in the pool and heading towards 2miles now, usually 4 times per week. I also lift weights and walk/run on days I'm not in the pool. Since I'm limiting myself to basically breast stroke do I need to be worried about overuse\development of specific muscle groups and should I be compensating for this thru additional weight training exercises for less used muscle groups to balance things out? If so what exercises?

Answer
Todd--
Depending on the injury that was repaired, swimming is one of the best rehab exercises you can do.  Freestyle and backstroke can be used in limited distances without any damage being done.  Make sure it doesn't hurt your shoulder, though, if it does try adjusting the stroke mechanics a little bit(arm higher, or lower on the recovery, don't roll onto the repaired shoulder too much), little changes can make a big difference.  Take it easy on the weights also, too much too fast can cause a lot of damage also.  Check with a trainer where you lift weights to see what you can do to help rehab.  The best person to talk to(even over your Doctor) is a physical therapist or a physician who specializes in sports medicine.  Let them know you swim and they can come up with some exercises that will strengthen the shoulder.
Hope this helps,
George