Shoulder Injuries in Swimming: The Must-Knows

Did you know that up to 91% of swimmers aged 13-25 years old will experience shoulder pain frequently!

Swimmer’s shoulder is an umbrella term used to describe shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. The requirements placed on the shoulder when swimming looks at finding a balance between above average flexibility and strength to locomote through the water. These high demands increase the likelihood of injury to the area. 

Causes of Swimmer’s shoulder:

• Stroke technique abnormalities

• Overuse, fatigue or improper control of the musculature of the shoulder

• Increased laxity of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint

• Decreased neuromuscular control

• Over training

• Previous shoulder injury

Signs and symptoms of Swimmer’s shoulder:

• Pain in and around the shoulder

• Pain commonly radiates along the back of the shoulder

• Increased joint laxity

• Reduced strength

• Repetitive reaching overhead

• Pain increasing the further into the session you get

Does this sound like you? Make sure you book in early to get it checked out!

Can you prevent swimmer’s shoulder? Yes! An ideal way to ensure you don’t have an extended period of time away from the pool is to assess the current risk of developing swimmer’s shoulder. These results will enable your physiotherapist to prescribed customised preventative exercises to reduce the risk of swimmer’s shoulder. Get in touch today to ensure you stay in the water.