Swimming is a popular sport that is enjoyed among all aged groups. Like any physical activity, swimming comes with its benefits as well as its risks. Avid swimmers may run into some common musculoskeletal injuries. Hence, athletes and recreational swimmers alike will benefit from physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is imperative for the rehabilitation and injury prevention.
What are some common swimming injuries?
Shoulder injuries are common amongst swimmers. One example includes the shoulder impingement syndrome which leads to pain and inflammation of the tendons. This impingement may develop gradually from repetitive shoulder movements. Hence, physiotherapy prevents such injuries through tailored exercise programs that addresses the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilizers, stretching, and technique correction.
Injuries along the lumbar spine are also common, especially among butterfly swimmers and breaststroke swimmers. Due to the undulating motion used in these swimming strokes, there is potential to strain the lower back muscles. After conducting a thorough assessment, our physiotherapists can assist in preventing this injury by determining muscle weaknesses and designing exercise programs that promote spinal stabilisation and core strength.
Other common swimming injuries arise from:
- Poor swimming stroke technique
- Poor flexibility and range of motion in the neck or lower back: Inadequate flexibility of the lower back can lead to greater strain as the back cannot tolerate changes in movement.
- Poor muscular strength/stability around joints: Key joints like the shoulder require strength to ensure stability. Deficits in the strength of these muscle groups can strain tendons surrounding the joints.
- Insufficient core strength
- Overtraining
How can we assist you in preventing swimming injuries?
- Initial assessment: Our physiotherapists can assess your body movements and address biomechanical errors in your swimming technique that may be contributing to your injury.
- Designing individually tailored exercise programs: These programs will incorporate muscular strength and endurance exercises to build strength around your joints and prepare you for those repetitive swimming movements.
- Incorporating stretches and mobility exercises into your routine: Muscles and joints that have not been warmed up before swimming are also at a greater risk of injury. We will advise on an effective dynamic stretching regimeto warm up your muscles, whilst improving your flexibility and range of motion exercisesin those key areas.
- Training education: Our physiotherapists can provide you with a workout plan to prevent overuse injury whilst ensuring that you are improving your swimming performance
Already experiencing the physical symptoms of an injury?
If you have a swimming related injury, we can ensure that you can have a (reasonably) speedy recovery! We aim to empower swimmers to take proactive steps to prevent injury and prolong their swimming career! Physiotherapist are musculoskeletal health professionals who focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of movement injuries. Myphysio physiotherapists can provide you with a customised treatment program. Book an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for tips on managing your injury.
In the month of February 2024, Myphysio is offering 50% off initial consultation for new patients with swimming related injuries. Mention BLOG50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your rehabilitation journey started with an experienced physiotherapists.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care professional. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your health care provider.