Swim Injuries

Question 1

Overuse Injuries

Answer 1

Most swimming injuries occur in the shoulder.
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, which allows for great range of motion but increases the risk of injury due to joint instability against resistive forces.
The biceps and four other muscles help stabilize the joint.

Question 2

Muscle Imbalance

Answer 2

The power in swimming comes from the upper back and core and is transmitted through the shoulder blade to the shoulder.

Shoulder injuries may occur due to a muscle imbalance, such as overactive internal rotators or pectoralis major and minor muscles, and underused external rotator muscles, rhomboids and mid-low trapezius. This imbalance may cause the rotator cuff muscles to chronically fatigue, leading to rotator cuff tendonitis.

Question 3

Shoulder Impingement

Answer 3

As previously mentioned in the biomechanics topic, improper technique can also lead to shoulder injuries. A common injury is rotator cuff impingement, which results from mechanical impingement of the rotator cuff tendon. Pain is especially noticeable when the shoulder is placed in the forward-flexed and internally rotated position, such as during the pull phase of swimming.

Athletes experiencing shoulder pain around the deltoid region should have a period of active rest. Once pain subsides, the goal is to increase the range of motion without pain and improve muscular function and stability.