Swimmer's Shoulder

Swimmer’s shoulder affects athletes who engage in repetitive overhead arm movements, like swimmers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers. Early intervention, proper technique, and swimmer’s shoulder physical therapy are crucial for recovery and preventing further injury.

What is Swimmer’s Shoulder?

Swimmer’s shoulder, also known as shoulder impingement syndrome, is a common overuse injury that affects swimmers and other athletes who engage in repetitive overhead arm movements. This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the narrow space between the acromion (the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder blade) and the head of the humerus (upper arm bone).

The repetitive nature of swimming strokes, particularly freestyle and butterfly, can lead to micro-trauma in the shoulder tissues. Over time, this can result in inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion. While the term “swimmer’s shoulder” is commonly used, this condition can affect anyone who performs frequent overhead arm movements, including tennis players, baseball pitchers, and even painters or construction workers.

Get Started

Common Causes of Swimmer’s Shoulder

Several factors contribute to the development of swimmer’s shoulder:

Overuse and Repetitive Motion: The primary cause is the repetitive overhead arm movements inherent in swimming strokes. These movements can lead to irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.
Poor Swimming Technique: Improper stroke mechanics can place additional stress on the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. For example, crossing the midline during the freestyle stroke or dropping the elbow during the recovery phase can increase the risk of impingement.
Muscle Imbalances: Swimmers often develop overdeveloped chest and anterior shoulder muscles while neglecting the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade. This imbalance can alter shoulder mechanics and increase the risk of impingement.
Shoulder Instability: Laxity in the shoulder joint, whether natural or acquired through repetitive motions, can lead to improper positioning of the humeral head, increasing the likelihood of impingement.
Fatigue: As swimmers tire, their technique often deteriorates, leading to compensatory movements that can stress the shoulder.
Training Errors: Rapid increases in training volume or intensity, inadequate rest between sessions, or overemphasis on certain strokes can contribute to the development of swimmer’s shoulder.
Anatomical Factors: Some individuals may have a naturally narrower subacromial space, making them more prone to impingement.

Conditions Subheadline

Common Treatment for Swimmer's Shoulder

Swimmer's Shoulder Symptoms

The symptoms of a swimmer’s shoulder can vary in intensity and may develop gradually over time. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Typically felt at the front or side of the shoulder, especially during overhead movements or when reaching behind the back. The pain may be sharp during activity and dull at rest.
Weakness: Difficulty in performing certain swimming strokes or lifting objects overhead.
Reduced Range of Motion: Stiffness or difficulty in moving the arm through its full range, particularly in overhead positions.
Clicking or Catching Sensation: A feeling of something catching in the shoulder during movement.
Night Pain: Discomfort that may worsen at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
Radiating Pain: Some individuals may experience pain that radiates down the arm or up into the neck.
Swelling: In some cases, there may be visible swelling around the shoulder area.

Swimmer's Shoulder FAQ

Dealing with swimmer’s shoulder can be a challenging experience for athletes and swimming enthusiasts. This FAQ section addresses some of the most common questions about swimmer’s shoulder, providing valuable insights into recovery time, treatment options, and rehabilitation exercises. Whether you’re wondering about the duration of recovery, the possibility of continuing to swim during treatment, the benefits of physical therapy, or specific exercises that can help, these frequently asked questions offer practical information to guide you through the recovery process.

How long does it take to recover from a swimmer’s shoulder?

The recovery time for swimmer’s shoulder can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the individual’s adherence to treatment, and the intensity of the swimmer’s activity. On average, swimmer’s shoulder recovery time typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. Key factors influencing recovery time include:

Mild Cases: For mild inflammation or early-stage overuse injuries, recovery can take 2-4 weeks with proper rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to swimming.
Moderate Cases: Moderate injuries, such as tendinitis or mild rotator cuff strains, often require 4-8 weeks of treatment. Physical therapy, rest, and modifying swimming techniques are critical during this period.
Severe Cases: For more severe injuries, such as partial rotator cuff tears or prolonged shoulder impingement, recovery may take 3-6 months. In some cases, surgery may be required, which would further extend the rehabilitation period.

Can I continue swimming with swimmer's shoulder?

While it’s generally advisable to rest the affected shoulder, complete cessation of swimming is not always necessary. The approach depends on the severity of the condition:

What are the benefits of swimmer’s shoulder physical therapy?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of swimmer’s shoulder. Benefits include:

Pain Reduction: Through various modalities and manual techniques.
Improved Shoulder Mechanics: Correcting muscle imbalances and movement patterns.
Increased Strength and Flexibility: Targeted exercises to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles.
Enhanced Posture: Addressing postural issues that may contribute to shoulder problems.
Technique Refinement: Working with swimmers to optimize their stroke mechanics.
Injury Prevention: Learning exercises and strategies to prevent future injuries.

What are examples of exercises in swimmer’s shoulder physical therapy?

Physical therapy for swimmer’s shoulder typically includes a variety of exercises aimed at strengthening, stretching, and improving shoulder function. Some common exercises include:

Rotator Cuff Strengthening: External and internal rotation exercises with resistance bands.
Scapular Stabilization: Exercises like scapular retractions and wall slides.
Core Strengthening: Planks and other exercises to improve overall stability.
Flexibility Exercises: Stretches for the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Proprioception Drills: Exercises to improve shoulder awareness and control.
Functional Training: Sport-specific exercises that mimic swimming movements.
Postural Exercises: To address and correct any postural imbalances.

Eccentric Strengthening: Slow, controlled movements to strengthen tendons.

Physical Therapy for Swimmer’s Shoulder at ATI

At ATI Physical Therapy, we understand the unique challenges faced by swimmers and other athletes dealing with shoulder impingement. Our specialized approach to treating swimmer’s shoulder combines evidence-based practices with personalized care to help you return to the pool stronger and more efficiently than ever. Contact us today to get started.

Schedule Now