Shoulder Impingement in Swimmers
Swimmer’s shoulder is a common orthopedic injury in people who swim.
It is triggered by abnormal rubbing and pinching of the structures inyour shoulder.
This injury is experienced by about 40% to 90% of swimmers at one time or another.
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These three bones come together at various places to make up your shoulder joint.
This group of four muscles lies deep in your shoulder and surrounds the joint.
Severalligamentshold your shoulder joint together as well.
They connect the various bones of your shoulder, giving the joint stability as you move.
This is due to the position of your arms and upper extremities while swimming.
During this procedure, your physician elevates your arm overhead to the maximum degree.
Swimmer’s shoulder may then be suspected.
when you obtain an accurate diagnosis of impingement from swimmer’s shoulder, you might begin treatment.
These may include:
Medication
Medication may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to help decrease pain and inflammation.
If your swimmer’s shoulder is severe, your physician may prescribe stronger medication to manage inflammation.
Your PT can assess your condition and prescribe treatments and exercises to improve your shoulder mobility and strength.
They may also use varioustreatment modalitiesto decrease pain and improve circulation to your shoulder muscles to facilitate healing.
This may lead to improved shoulder mobility with less pain.
This can help keep your shoulder from pinching when you are swimming and reaching overhead.
Internal Rotation Towel Stretch
This exercise stretches the shoulder joint capsule.
To strengthen your rotator cuff muscles:
How Long to Get Better?
Most often, the symptoms slowly abate with rest and gentle stretching.
This may help prevent future episodes of impingement from swimmer’s shoulder.
This condition may limit your ability to swim and use your arm normally for functional tasks.
Treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and exercise to restore normal shoulder mobility.
Discuss your goals with your healthcare professional and physical therapist.
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