Common Swimming Injuries that Physiotherapists Treat
Introduction
Swimming, known for its therapeutic properties and cardiovascular benefits, also poses the risk of various injuries that can hamper performance and diminish enjoyment in the water. From shoulder discomfort to lower body strains, swimmers encounter a range of conditions that require specialised care. Let's explore common swimming injuries treated in physiotherapy clinics and delve into tailored strategies for rehabilitation and prevention.
Swimming Injuries
Shoulder Pain:
Rotator Cuff Injuries:
Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy are prevalent among swimmers due to repetitive overhead movements. Physiotherapy interventions focus on pain relief, strengthening exercises to stabilise the shoulder, and biomechanical corrections to prevent further injury.
Biceps Strains:
Excessive strain during powerful arm movements, such as the pull phase of strokes, can lead to biceps strains and tendinopathy. Physiotherapy aims to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and gradually reintroduce strengthening exercises to promote full recovery.
Labrum Injuries:
Labrum injuries, including SLAP tears, are common in swimmers and can result from repetitive shoulder movements. Physiotherapy management focuses on restoring stability, improving shoulder mechanics, and strengthening surrounding muscles to support the injured labrum.
Shoulder Impingement:
Shoulder impingement syndrome, characterised by pain during overhead movements, is prevalent among swimmers. Physiotherapy interventions include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and biomechanical analysis to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Neck Pain:
Neck pain can arise from poor swimming technique, muscle imbalances, or overuse from sustained or repetitive neck flexion/extension. Physiotherapy treatment involves manual therapy to release tension, strengthening exercises to improve stability, and postural correction to reduce strain on the neck muscles and joints.
Low Back Pain:
Lower back pain is common in swimmers due to repetitive back hyperextension during strokes. Physiotherapy interventions focus on core strengthening, postural correction, and flexibility exercises to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
Groin Pain:
Groin pain, commonly from the adductor muscles, may occur from repetitive kicking motions, particularly in breaststroke. Physiotherapy addresses muscle imbalances, improves flexibility, and implements strengthening exercises to reduce pain and improve performance.
Knee Pain:
Breast stroker’s knee, swimmer’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can result from repetitive knee bending movements. Physiotherapy management includes strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hip muscles, flexibility training, and biomechanical analysis to address contributing factors and alleviate pain.
Comprehensive Physiotherapy Approach:
Assessment and Diagnosis:
Physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to diagnose swimming-related injuries, identify contributing factors, and develop personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual's needs and goals.
Pain Management:
Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisation, joint manipulation and massage are utilised to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
Strength and Conditioning:
Targeted strengthening exercises address muscle imbalances, improve stability, and enhance overall performance in the water.
Flexibility and Mobility:
Stretching and mobility exercises improve range of motion, prevent stiffness, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Biomechanical Analysis:
Evaluation of swimming technique helps identify faulty movement patterns and implement corrective strategies to optimise efficiency and minimise stress on vulnerable joints and tissues.
Prevention Strategies:
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Dynamic warm-up routines and post-swim exercises help prepare the body for activity and reduce the risk of injury.
Gradual Progression: Incremental increases in training volume and intensity allow the body to adapt gradually and minimise the risk of overuse injuries.
Technique Refinement: Regular feedback and instruction on swimming technique help improve efficiency, reduce strain on joints, and prevent biomechanical imbalances.
Cross-Training: Incorporating cross-training activities such as strength work into the training regimen helps maintain overall fitness, prevent muscle imbalances, and reduce the risk of injury.
Conclusion:
Swimming injuries pose unique challenges for athletes, but with the guidance of physiotherapy, they can be effectively managed and prevented. By addressing specific conditions such as shoulder pain, neck pain, low back pain, groin pain, and knee pain with tailored interventions, physiotherapists help swimmers regain mobility, alleviate discomfort, and enhance performance in the water. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or a recreational enthusiast, come see our team at Brisbane Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation to help keep you in the pool.
