Swimming is a type of low-impact, full-body aerobic workout activity that provides cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. The most common swimming-related injury is swimmer’s shoulder, resulting from repetitive overhead motion and overuse of the muscles. It is a type of condition that involves inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon or the biceps tendon. Improper technique and rigorous training increase the risk of overuse injuries, which commonly affect the shoulder complex, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and knees, particularly in competitive swimmers.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetition of overhead motions, particularly in the strokes like freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke
- Poor technique or improper breathing patterns
- Sudden increase in training intensity or volume
- Muscle fatigue and inadequate recovery
- Weak stabilising muscles, particularly in the core and shoulder girdle
Common Injuries Due To Swimming
- Swimmer’s Shoulder
- Definition: Overuse injury involving the rotator cuff tendons or tendons in the shoulder.
- Cause: Repetitive overhead motion, poor stroke mechanics.
- Symptoms: Pain during or after swimming, especially with arm elevation or rotation.
- Breaststroker’s Knee
- Definition: Medial knee pain from repeated whip kick motion.
- Cause: Stress on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) during breaststroke.
- Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the knee which worsens with increased kicking or even pushing off walls.
- Lower Back Pain
- Definition: Lumbar strain or disc irritation from hyperextension.
- Cause: Excessive lumbar arching, mostly during butterfly or dolphin kick.
- Symptoms: A dull ache or stiffness in the lower back, which worsens with arching movements.
- Neck Pain
- Definition: Cervical stress due to repeated breathing or poor positioning of the head.
- Cause: Improper breathing technique or incorrect rotation of the head.
- Symptoms: Neck tightness or soreness, which may radiate to the shoulders or upper back.
Diagnosis
A range of tests of the swimmer’s motion
- Palpation of painful areas
- Functional assessment of swimming strokes or posture
- Imaging (such as X-ray or MRI) may be recommended to rule out structural damage in persistent cases.
Treatment
Most swimming injuries are managed conservatively through:
- Rest and modification of stroke technique
- Physical therapy to address strength imbalances and flexibility
- Pain management with ice, NSAIDs, and activity modification
- Corrective training focused on form, breathing, and core engagement.
In severe or chronic cases:
- Corticosteroid injections for inflammatory conditions (used cautiously)
- Surgical intervention may be needed for rotator cuff tears or labral injuries unresponsive to therapy.
Prevention
- Warm-up and cool-down before and after training
- Strengthening shoulder stabilisers and core muscles
- Practising correct stroke mechanics and breathing techniques
- Using swim aids properly to avoid strain (e.g., paddles, fins)
- Limiting overtraining and allowing sufficient recovery time
- Cross-training to improve overall body balance and reduce repetitive strain
Conclusion
Although swimming is generally safe and low-impact, overuse and poor form can lead to common injuries, especially in the shoulder and other areas of the body, such as the knee, back, and neck. Early recognition of swimming injuries can be achieved with proper technique, which includes strength training, and adequate rest is also essential for managing and preventing these injuries. Swimmers who experience constant discomfort and pain should seek medical evaluation for tailored rehabilitation and recovery.
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