Swimming is a unique sport that requires continuous repetitive motions. As a result, many swimmers develop non-traumatic Swimming-Related Injuries (SRI). The prevalence of swimmer’s shoulder has been reported between 27-87% of all SRI’s. The occurrence of Swimmer's Shoulder can be attributed to swimming mechanics requiring a unique combination of shoulder stability and mobility. Swimming utilizes the shoulder complex's high degrees of freedom (movement), demonstrated by shoulder range of motion, and requires athletes to stabilize and create force throughout each stroke. The continuous repetitive motions that the sport requires put excessive strain on the stability of the shoulder joint. The ligaments in the glenohumeral complex act as primary stabilizers with a complex musculature for secondary stabilization. The repetitive overhead movements with improper mechanics and muscle activation can create laxity in the shoulder joint over time.
Swimmer’s shoulder is a combination injury caused by:
A. Joint instability (anterior GH)
B. Muscular imbalances between internal rotators and external rotators
C. Weakness in the posterior rotator cuff and periscapular musculature.
When these three factors are combined in these extreme circumstances, the incidence of impingement with overhead movements and scapular dysfunction will sky rocket. It's no wonder that 9 out of 10 swimmers will experience shoulder pain at some point in their careers!
Improper mechanics paired with faulty positioning lead to non-traumatic tendinopathies and connective tissue break down over time. Understanding these four topics can help avoid these problems.
1. Overuse
2. Misuse
3. Disuse
4. Abuse
Any combination of these can cause and/or perpetuate imbalances during swimming! Strain on the shoulder musculature paired with any of the above topics, can be devastating.
These injuries are preventable through education, correction of stroke mechanics, and targeting dryland training. Over the next couple of weeks, the GMS team will break down these components of injury and direct some rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
Grandeur Movement Science strives to be your expert in this category and provide the swimming community with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent these types of injuries.Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more.
Sam LaRiviere & Dan Fay
Grandeur Movement Science