Physical therapy provides a wealth of treatment options if pain is keeping you out of the water
Are you a swimmer suddenly struggling with pain or stiffness in your shoulder or neck? You’re likely experiencing an overuse injury, a common occurrence among swimmers. At The Fitness LAB, we know how frustrating these injuries can be, and we’re here to help you get back in the pool!
Swimming is an excellent exercise that combines both upper and lower body strength with cardiovascular endurance–all in the relaxing environment of the water! Because water is non-weight bearing, swimming works well for people of all ages and fitness levels.
That said, swimmers are often prone to overuse injuries, many of which are brought on by using improper form. Swimmer’s shoulder is probably the most common overuse injury in swimmers, but you might also experience pain in your neck, lower back, or knees.
If pain and stiffness keep you from swimming, schedule an appointment with The Fitness LAB, We’ll get to the root of your problem and provide you with a wealth of treatment options!
What injuries are common among swimmers?
Most swimming-related injuries are classified as overuse injuries, which are a type of injury caused by a series of microtraumas over time rather than a single “big” injury. They’re usually caused by repetitive motions, but in the case of swimmers, they may also be caused by improper swimming form, poor flexibility, or insufficient core strength and stability.
Most swimming-related injuries have similar symptoms, including reduced range of motion or stability in the affected joint and pain or weakness in the affected muscles. Typically, these injuries occur in one of these four areas of the body:
- The shoulder. Swimmer’s shoulder is among the most common swimming-related injuries, particularly among high-level athletes. You’ll most likely experience pain radiating down the back of your shoulder and find that the pain increases as you perform the reaching movements necessary for swimming strokes.
- The back. Swimmer’s back is also fairly common and mostly associated with the butterfly and breast strokes, as these two motions create an undulating effect in the spine that puts pressure on the joints of the lower back, causing pain.
- The knee. Swimmer’s knee is mainly associated with breaststroke swimmers due to the propulsive nature of breaststroke kicks. You might feel pain deep in the knee joint as well as in the quads.
- The neck. Swimmer’s neck is typically found in older swimmers and may be related to improper breath form.
The good news is that physical therapy at The Fitness LAB offers several different treatment options to help you deal with swimming-related overuse injuries, no matter where in the body they’re located!
How physical therapy can help get you back in the water
The physical therapists at The Fitness LAB are experts in all areas of the musculoskeletal system. We’ll work with you to determine your pain’s exact source and cause so we can provide a customized treatment plan built around your specific needs.
We’ll start by evaluating your biomechanics to determine if your pain is caused by improper form. If it is, we can work with you to help improve your stroke form, which should reduce the chance of re-injuring yourself in the future.
We’ll also check to see if there are any muscle imbalances that might be contributing to the pain. For example, a weak core can cause issues elsewhere in the body, especially the lower back. If this is the case for you, we’ll help you develop a strengthening program for your weak areas.
We can also help with pain management. At The Fitness LAB, we offer several drug-free pain treatments. We’ll likely suggest manual therapy of the affected joints or tissue areas, particularly if you’re struggling with reduced range of motion. Stretching and mobility exercises can also help reduce pain, as well as improve your flexibility–which can help improve your swimming performance!
Request an appointment with The Fitness LAB today
Swimming is a great source of fitness for everyone, but it is important to condition your body and use proper stroke form so you don’t risk injury. The experts at The Fitness LAB are here to help you thrive in the pool, whether you’re a competitive swimmer or just looking for a fun, relaxing full-body workout.
Don’t let pain keep you out of the water. If you’re struggling with a swimming-related injury, schedule an appointment with The Fitness LAB today. We’ll have you swimming laps again in no time!
