The shoulder is a flexible joint in the body and swimmers utilize it in order to rotate the arm overhead and move rapidly through the water. The frequent use of the shoulder can result to fatigue in the muscles that comprise the shoulder which results to shoulder pain. Athletes or those who play the sport enthusiastically during practice or competitions should be aware on how to prevent the injuries from developing once initial shoulder pain is experienced. Knowing when to consult a doctor can help avoid the development of inflammation that will prevent the individual from swimming on a long-term basis.
What is swimmer’s shoulder?
There are two usual body parts where swimmers experience a shoulder injury. First is the muscle pain that develops during the pull-through phase of swimming which is when the hand strikes the water. It simply means that the shoulder bones are compressing the biceps in the arm.
The second is the type of pain that occurs when the arm leaves the water. This indicates that the rotator cuff muscles in the rear part of the shoulder that help the shoulder rotate are involved. Certain injuries might be due to incorrect form, overtraining or breathing only on one side while swimming which adds further strain on one shoulder.
Stretching exercises
Proper stretching of the shoulder before swimming can minimize the risk for shoulder impingement that causes swimmer’s shoulder. Suitable stretches include the triceps stretch which involves reaching the arm upwards and bending the arm and elbow. The hand is used to touch the shoulder blade and the opposite arm is used to stretch the shoulder.
Strengthening exercises for shoulder pain
Aside from the stretching routines that help relieve and prevent shoulder pain, the individual should also perform strengthening exercises that helps stabilize the rotator cuff to minimize the risk for injuries. A suitable exercise includes shoulder rotations that are executed with or without weights.
What to do for severe injuries?
In addition to overuse injuries, swimming is known to cause shoulder pain due to a tear on the muscle or tendon as well as vertebral fractures. If the individual has difficulty in moving the shoulder after a swimming practice, the shoulder appears to hang loosely or the shoulder muscles seems unusual, it might indicate a more serious injury. In such circumstances, it is vital to seek medical care right away if any of these symptoms are present.