Shoulders - January

Shoulder pain in Swimmers

Swimmer’s shoulder is a term that is used broadly to describe pain in and around the shoulder in association with swimming activities. The pain in swimmer’s shoulder is typically described as being more anterior and is often described in the region of the biceps tendon. Contributing factors for swimmer’s shoulder are felt and include 1) inadequate strength and endurance of the muscles around the shoulder, scapula, back, pelvis, and abdomen, 2) glenohumeral laxity, and 3) particular stroke mechanics such as dropped elbow and lateral hand entry that may lead to impingement. Other associated findings include muscle imbalance and inflexibility, such as tightness of the pectoral muscles, and inflexibility of the posterior rotator cuff and posterior capsule. The risk of injury and pain is especially true for swimmers who swim with poor technique.

Taken from Shoulder Pain in Swimmers by Scott Rodeo, MD, Chair of the USA Swimming Sports Medicine Committee

Next month: Treatment of Swimmer’s shoulder