Relieving Swimmer’s Shoulder: Strategies and Exercises [Video]

Competitive swimmers, recreational, and swimming enthusiasts who experience pinching and sharp shoulder pain while swimming may suffer from shoulder impingement. Can understanding symptoms can help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment program?

Swimmer’s Shoulder

Swimmer’s shoulder, medically known as rotator cuff impingement syndrome, is a common injury among swimmers. It can limit swimming ability and normal arm use for functional tasks. It is caused by persistent and abnormal rubbing and pinching of the structures in the shoulder, causing pain and irritation of the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons and the bursa. The injury affects 40% to 90% of swimmers at some point. (Wanivenhaus F. et al., 2012) Self-care treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and exercise to restore normal shoulder mobility. Most cases resolve within a few months, but physical therapy may be needed along with continued exercises and stretches to maintain pain relief.

Anatomy

The shoulder is a complex joint with extreme mobility. It is comprised of …