What Is Swimmer’s Shoulder?
Swimming is a demanding sport. The upper extremities and shoulders are used for locomotion and demand above average range of motion and flexibility, while movements are performed in water, which is significantly more resistant than air.
The result: Swimmers experience a wide range of shoulder pain and overuse injuries on their shoulders with the most common being rotator cuff tendinitis.
While these types of injuries among swimmers range from a low of 3% to a high of 67%, significant shoulder pain from these injuries will interfere with progress in training or performance in competitions. Elite and senior swimmers are also more likely to report swimmer’s shoulder because of prolonged overuse of muscles.
The shoulders and upper extremities act as the lever mechanism in swimming, partly explaining the high risk for injuries in these areas. Think of these parts as a canoe paddle. Your hand acts as the paddle’s flat end while your rotator cuff acts as the fulcrum that stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, allowing your shoulders’ power muscles to pull your arms through the water.
The shoulders’ key muscle group is the rotator cuff, which is the most common site for injuries among swimmers. The rotator cuff consists of the teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and subscapularis from the posterior to the anterior parts while its main function is as a dynamic stabilizer for the glenohumeral joint. When these muscles and tendons are overused, the result is swimmer’s shoulder.
Keep in mind that while swimmer’s shoulder can be effectively treated, you should never undertake its treatment on your own. You should always work with doctors, physiotherapists, and physical therapists in the case of sports injuries. To learn more, visit any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Anaheim by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.