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Imagine gliding through the water, your arms slicing effortlessly as you chase the perfect stroke. For some, swimming can be seen as poetry in motion, since it combines strength, endurance, and grace. But what happens when something gets in the way of this aquatic symphony?
Enter swimmer's shoulder, one of the more frustrating obstacles for any athlete who spends much of their time in the pool.
Swimmer's shoulder is more than just an ache. It's a wake–up call from your body caused by the toll of repetitive overhead motions that demands your attention. This umbrella term encompasses a range of injuries–including tendinitis and impingement–that can turn fluid swimming strokes into painful struggles. These painful symptoms can sideline swimmers for an extended period, especially competitive swimmers, who are most vulnerable to swimmer's shoulder. Yet, there's hope: physical therapy can offer a lifeline by empowering swimmers to recover, prevent recurrence, and return to the water stronger than ever.
Recognizing the impact of swimmer's shoulder on athletes, a key study set out to explore the most effective ways to treat and prevent this condition. Researchers wanted to determine the best approach to managing shoulder pain in swimmers while also identifying causes and risk factors that contribute to the problem.
To accomplish this, a group of swimmers–some with shoulder pain, some without–were examined, including how their shoulders moved and functioned, and any related muscle imbalances. Researchers also examined the various treatments that each participant underwent, which included rest, medication, and structured physical therapy, to determine which were most effective.
Results showed that up to 90% of competitive swimmers experience shoulder pain at some point in their careers. According to the study, the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, and surrounding soft tissues are most frequently involved in these injuries, and the high volume of arm movements involved in swimming–especially during strokes like the freestyle and butterfly–puts excessive strain on these structures. Other key findings included the following:
The other primary finding was that physical therapy is the most effective treatment option for both treating and preventing swimmer's shoulder. Research showed that a structured physical therapy program focusing on strength, flexibility, and technique correction can significantly reduce pain and improve shoulder function over time. For swimmers who are dealing with shoulder pain, the study found that the most beneficial interventions were:
Additional details from these findings are provided below:
