What is swimmer’s shoulder?
Swimmer's shoulder, also known as shoulder impingement syndrome, is a common overuse injury among swimmers particularly those who engage in high-volume and high-intensity training. It is caused by the repeated overhead motion of the shoulder, which can result in inflammation and irritation of the tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
Symptoms of swimmer's shoulder can include pain in the shoulder joint, weakness in the shoulder, and a reduced range of motion. The pain may be sharp or dull and may worsen when the arm is lifted overhead or when the shoulder is rotated.
Treatment for swimmer's shoulder typically involves rest and physical therapy. Resting the shoulder allows the inflammation to subside and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of further injury. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
Prevention is key in avoiding swimmer's shoulder. Swimmers should focus on maintaining proper technique and posture during swimming, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of their workouts, and incorporating exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint into their training routine.
How common is swimmer’s shoulder?
Here are some statistics related to swimmer's shoulder syndrome:
Swimmer's shoulder is a common injury among competitive and recreational swimmers, accounting for up to 70% of all swimming-related injuries. (Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
The incidence of swimmer's shoulder is higher among female swimmers, likely due to differences in anatomy, training patterns, and biomechanics. (Source: Journal of Athletic Training)
Swimmers who train more frequently and intensively are at a higher risk of developing swimmer's shoulder syndrome. (Source: Sports Health)
Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of swimmer's shoulder syndrome, followed by weakness and limited range of motion. (Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for swimmer's shoulder syndrome, with up to 80% of patients experiencing significant improvement within 4-12 weeks of starting treatment. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy)
Surgery for swimmer's shoulder syndrome is relatively uncommon, with less than 5% of patients requiring surgical intervention. (Source: Sports Health)
It's important to note that these statistics are general and may vary depending on the individual case, severity of the injury, and other factors.
What are the typical symptoms of swimmer’s shoulder?
Swimmer's shoulder is a common overuse injury that affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder. It is often caused by repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
The symptoms of swimmer's shoulder may include:
Pain in the shoulder or upper arm
Weakness in the shoulder or upper arm
Difficulty moving the shoulder or arm
Shoulder stiffness
Pain that worsens with overhead movements, such as swimming or throwing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a medical professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist, who can properly diagnose your condition and recommend a course of treatment.
How can you prevent swimmer’s shoulder syndrome?
Here are some ways to prevent swimmer's shoulder syndrome:
Warm-up and cool down: It's essential to warm up before any exercise, including swimming. Start with some light stretching and then gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. Similarly, cool down after your workout with some light stretching and slow swimming.
Improve your technique: Improving your swimming technique can help reduce the strain on your shoulders. Consider working with a swimming coach who can identify any flaws in your technique and suggest ways to correct them.
Gradually increase your training load: Avoid increasing your training load too quickly, as this can put too much stress on your shoulders. Instead, increase your training load gradually and allow time for recovery between workouts.
Strengthen your shoulder muscles: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the muscles around your shoulders, including the rotator cuff, into your training routine. This can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your swimming performance.
Take breaks: Taking regular breaks from swimming can help prevent overuse injuries like swimmer's shoulder syndrome. Consider taking a day or two off each week or reducing your training load during certain periods.
Use proper equipment: Using the right equipment can also help prevent swimmer's shoulder syndrome. Make sure your swimsuit fits properly and that your goggles and swim cap are comfortable. Additionally, consider using paddles or fins to reduce the stress on your shoulders during training.
Remember, prevention is always better than treatment, and by following these tips, you can reduce the risk of developing swimmer's shoulder syndrome. If you do experience shoulder pain, however, it's important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as our physical therapist at our Fiziologix Physical Therapy clinic.
What type of physical therapy should I expect if I have a swimmer’s shoulder?
Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for rehabilitating swimmer's shoulder syndrome. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. Here is an overview of how physical therapy typically looks like to rehab swimmer's shoulder:
Injury Assessment: The first step in physical therapy is to assess the extent of the injury and identify any underlying causes. The physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI.
Pain management: The physical therapist may use a variety of techniques to manage pain, including ice or heat therapy, massage, or electrical stimulation.
Range of motion exercises: The physical therapist will work with you to improve your shoulder's range of motion through exercises and stretches. These exercises will gradually increase in intensity and may include shoulder rotations, pendulum swings, and shoulder blade squeezes.
Strengthening exercises: Once your range of motion has improved, the physical therapist will focus on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder joint. These exercises may include resistance band exercises, shoulder presses, and push-ups.
Technique analysis: The physical therapist may also assess your swimming technique to identify any flaws that may be contributing to the injury. They may suggest modifications to your technique or provide exercises to improve your stroke mechanics.
Gradual return to activity: Once you have made significant progress, the physical therapist will work with you to develop a gradual return-to-activity plan. This may include a modified swimming program to gradually reintroduce swimming and gradually increase training load.
Home exercises: To maintain progress made during physical therapy sessions, the physical therapist may provide you with exercises to do at home to continue your recovery.
Physical therapy is a personalized treatment, and the actual approach used to rehab swimmer's shoulder will vary depending on the individual case. However, in general, the therapy will focus on restoring range of motion, strengthening muscles, managing pain, and gradual reintroduction to swimming activities.
What’s the recovery time for swimmer’s shoulder?
The duration of swimmer's shoulder syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. In some cases, swimmer's shoulder syndrome can resolve on its own with rest and conservative management. However, in more severe cases, the condition can persist for several weeks or even months.
Typically, with proper physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation, swimmer's shoulder syndrome can improve within a few weeks to a few months. However, this can vary depending on the individual's condition, age, and overall health. It's important to note that returning to activities too soon can lead to a recurrence of the injury or even worsen the condition. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider or physical therapist and allow sufficient time for recovery before returning to swimming activities.
Additionally, preventative measures, such as proper warm-up, strengthening exercises, and technique modifications, can help reduce the risk of swimmer's shoulder syndrome recurring. It's also essential to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience pain or discomfort in your shoulder during or after swimming activities.
Is surgery necessary for swimmer’s shoulder?
In most cases, surgery is not necessary for swimmer's shoulder syndrome. “Conservative” treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, and medication, are usually effective in managing the condition. Surgery is typically only considered as a last resort when conservative treatments have failed or in cases of severe and persistent pain.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended for swimmer's shoulder syndrome if the underlying cause of the injury is due to a structural problem, such as a tear in the rotator cuff or labrum. Surgical options for swimmer's shoulder syndrome may include arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to visualize and repair the damaged tissues.
However, it's important to note that surgery is not always a guaranteed solution, it carries a high risk for infections and complications (as any surgery does) and recovery can take several months. Additionally, surgery may not be an option for all individuals, depending on their age, overall health, and the severity of the injury.
Therefore, it's important to consult with a specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your swimmer's shoulder syndrome.
Can I self-treat swimmer’s shoulder?
While it's important to seek medical advice for any injury and make an appointment to a physical therapist, there are some self-treatment measures that can help you manage the symptoms of swimmer's shoulder syndrome before you get in to see a therapist:
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain and discomfort in your shoulder. Take a break from swimming or any other activity that requires overhead arm movements until your shoulder has had time to heal.
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relief medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Certain exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in your shoulder, which can help alleviate pain and prevent future injuries. However, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any exercise program.
Proper technique and equipment: Ensure you are using proper technique when swimming and using the appropriate equipment, such as a well-fitted swim cap and goggles, to reduce the risk of injury.
While self-treatment measures can be helpful in managing the symptoms of swimmer's shoulder syndrome, it's important to seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience other symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. A qualified physical therapist or healthcare provider can offer a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan to address your specific needs. Give our office a call or email us to schedule a FREE 20 minute 1-on-1 physical therapy consultation to get to the bottom of your condition so we can help you heal faster.