It’s well known that swimming regularly brings many benefits. In an episode of Michael Moseley’s podcast ‘Just One Thing’, scientists explain that it improves blood vessel and brain health. And that’s not all – it’s a way to keep fit that’s gentle on your joints. But swimming injuries do happen – in this blog our osteopaths explain the most common injuries they see in clinic and their approach to preventing and treating them.
Why do swimming injuries happen?
Most swimming injuries occur through either overuse, poor stroke technique or muscle imbalances.The repetitive nature of swimming can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, resulting in injuries such as tendonitis and muscle strains. But injuries can be prevented with a proper warm-up routine and using proper stroke technique. Core muscle strength and overall strength and flexibility are key, as a balanced musculoskeletal system means you won’t be straining particular areas.
Swimmer’s Shoulder
Swimmer’s Shoulder is a term that describes a range of shoulder injuries which swimmers commonly experience, causing pain and stiffness. These injuries usually involve inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries in swimming can be the result of overextension of the neck while using specific strokes, such as freestyle or backstroke.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain in swimmers usually happens because the back is excessively arched while swimming. This poor positioning leads to strain on the connective tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. In severe cases it can result in disc herniation.
Swimmer’s Knee
Swimmer’s Knee is sometimes also called Breaststroker’s Knee. It results in inflammation and pain in the knee joint, particularly in the medial collateral ligament (MCL). It usually happens through overuse and poor kicking technique.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis Elbow, known also by its Latin name ‘lateral epicondylitis’, comes about through overuse and strain on the tendons which connect the forearm muscles to the elbow joint.
Repetitive and forceful arm strokes in swimming, usually in freestyle or butterfly stroke, makes this injury more of a risk.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow, (Latin name ‘medial epicondylitis’), affects those tendons which connect the forearm muscles to the inner elbow.
As with Tennis Elbow, repetitive and forceful arm strokes and poor technique are often the cause of this injury.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, usually due to overuse. It can affect bicep muscles, rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder, and wrist tendons. Symptoms include pain and stiffness.
Labral Tears
Labral tears are an injury to the labrum. This is the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. The injury usually affects swimmers after overuse or repetitive strain on the shoulder.
How our osteopaths treat swimming injuries
Our osteopaths will make an accurate assessment of the location and cause of the injury. You will receive a tailored programme of targeted strengthening exercises for the muscles involved, and advice on proper technique. Flexibility exercises and cross-training advice will help prevent future muscle imbalances and support optimum body positioning.
Book your appointment now
Swimming is a great way to get fit and maintain joint health. But if you have a concern about an existing injury, or you’re struggling with an existing injury, do book in with our team. We can make an accurate assessment, help to put things right and support you with a targeted exercise plan to boost both flexibility and strength.
Our team can help you get back to your pain-free life as fast as possible. It couldn’t be easier to book your appointment with Osteo & Physio! Book a session via our app, website or call our friendly reception team on 0345 5577788.
