Swimmer's Shoulder
Swimmer’s shoulder, also known as Impingement Syndrome, is common in people leading active lifestyles and becomes more common as we age. It results in a restriction in shoulder movement, shoulder pain, and weakness.
Swimmer’s shoulder impingement can be treated with non-invasive techniques if caught early. However, if neglected, the condition can get worse, causing severe pain and excess damage to the shoulder joint. At this point, patients often must resort to shoulder surgery.
Physiotherapy is a noninvasive option that can help avoid surgery. It can alleviate the discomfort caused by swimmer’s shoulder and help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
What is a Swimmer’s Shoulder Impingement?
The shoulder is a complex joint where muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons come together to enable your arms to move. Impingement syndrome typically occurs when the rotator cuff in the shoulder gets irritated or injured, leading to inflammation.
Impingement in the shoulder joint can be quite common because of the relatively small space between the top of the arm bone or humerus and the tip of the shoulder called the acromion. Therefore even small movements can compress the rotator cuff tendons reducing blood flow to these tendons and cause severe pain.
A swimmer’s shoulder impingement results from frequently, aggressively, or improperly using the shoulder joint. It is most common among swimmers, but other athletes, including tennis and baseball players, are prone to swimmer’s shoulder impingement, as they use their shoulders for repetitive and weight-bearing motions. Aside from sports, aging is another factor for those experiencing shoulder impingement.
Swimmer’s Shoulder Symptoms
Individuals experiencing a swimmer's shoulder may find simple movements difficult. The pain interferes with sleep and other routine activities. Common symptoms include:
Difficulty in extending your arms over your head
Difficulty in reaching your arms behind your back
Regular shoulder pain
Muscle weakness
Shoulder instability
Limited range of motion for the shoulder joint
How is Swimmer’s Shoulder Impingement Diagnosed?
If you have been experiencing pain, discomfort, or limited range of motion in your shoulder, contact a credible physiotherapy clinic. Your healthcare provider will diagnose a swimmer’s shoulder by physical examination.
First, the Physiotherapist will ask you to describe what you’re feeling, taking note of symptoms and your health history. Then they will evaluate both the range of motion and strength of your shoulder to determine how much mobility and strength you have in your shoulder. To gauge the severity of the injury, they will also evaluate your other shoulder.
It is possible that your healthcare provider may recommend imaging to be done, which could include a shoulder X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Swimmer’s Shoulder Treatment
At Mainway Physiotherapy, we will assess your injury and offer a tailored treatment plan that might include:
Manual Therapy - involving stretches and exercises
Physiotherapy
Cold pack
Pain relievers (oral, topical, or a combination)
Massage Therapy
At Mainway Physiotherapy, we take a holistic approach to injury prevention, chronic pain, rehabilitation, and sports therapy. By creating a personalized treatment plan centered around your goals, our team of certified professionals will help you live an active and pain-free lifestyle. Book your appointment, and let us help you Keep Moving!