Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, but it can also put strain on your shoulders. Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints affecting swimmers due to the repetitive nature of the sport.
At North West Physiotherapy Keperra, we understand the importance of shoulder care for swimmers and the risks associated with inadequate attention to shoulder health. Find out how to take care of your shoulders and the role physiotherapists play in the process.
Common injuries for swimmers: swimmer’s shoulder and more
Swimmers often experience shoulder injuries like swimmer’s shoulder, tendonitis, and bursitis. These conditions typically develop due to muscular imbalances and technical flaws in swimming strokes, which are worsened by repetitive movements.
To avoid these injuries and maintain healthy shoulder function, swimmers can take proactive measures such as:
- shoulder and upper back strength and flexibility exercises
- balance and coordination exercises in pre-hab programs
- coaches can prevent injuries by managing training loads effectively
Treating swimmer’s shoulder and more: Our North West Physio approach
At North West Physio Keperra, we offer personalised rehab programs tailored to each swimmer’s individual needs. Our programs focus on assessing the whole kinetic chain to identify any issues that may be placing excess load on the shoulder, as well as considering factors such as:
- injury history,
- swimming experience, and
- the specific pathology involved.
We believe that appropriate dosage, convenience, and communication with athletes and relevant parties are key components of an effective rehab program.
Our physiotherapists use a hands-on approach to analyse and create rehab programs for swimmers with shoulder issues. We employ assessments and techniques used to do things such as measuring your strength and range of motion (ROM) to accurately assess imbalances and improvements.
Our manual treatments, such as soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, and muscle energy techniques, are combined with objective data to improve your ability whilst reducing your risk of injury.
Swimmer’s shoulder: the efficacy of strengthening and flexibility exercises
Strengthening and flexibility exercises play a crucial role in preventing and managing shoulder injuries in swimmers. For example, improving your upper back flexibility and shoulder mobility exercises are essential for achieving a proper “streamline” position and getting the full catch in most swimming strokes. Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help keep your shoulders healthy and injury-free.
Proper swimming technique is vital in preventing shoulder injuries. At North West Physio Keperra, we work with swimmers to ensure they are using correct form and minimising strain on their shoulders. Video sessions, both above and below water, are useful for accurately assessing swimming strokes and highlighting technical improvements. Our physiotherapists communicate closely with coaches to monitor stroke changes and maintain proper technique.
Experiencing shoulder pain? We can help!
Addressing shoulder pain or discomfort early on is crucial for swimmers. Early intervention can prevent severe tendon pathologies that may take months to recover from and require lengthy periods out of the pool.
At North West Physio Keperra, we are committed to helping swimmers maintain healthy shoulders and prevent common injuries. With our personalised approach, hands-on techniques, and collaboration with coaches, we can help you achieve optimal shoulder health and performance in the pool.
