Swimmer’s shoulder is a condition that affects the shoulder joint and is caused by repetitive overhead movements, such as those used in swimming. It is also known as shoulder impingement syndrome, subacromial impingement, or painful arc.

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. It is made up of the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The tendons of the rotator cuff, which are four muscles that help stabilize the shoulder joint, pass through a space called the subacromial space.

In swimmer’s shoulder, the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed and irritated due to repetitive overhead movements. This can lead to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in the shoulder.

Who can get swimmer’s shoulder?

Swimmer’s shoulder is most common in swimmers, but it can also occur in other athletes who participate in overhead sports, such as baseball, volleyball, and tennis. It can also occur in people who do not participate in sports, but who do activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as painting, carpentry, and hairdressing.

What are the symptoms of swimmer’s shoulder?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the front, side, or back of the shoulder
• Pain with overhead movements, such as reaching, swimming, or throwing
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Decreased range of motion in the shoulder
• Crepitus (a grating sensation) in the shoulder

The diagnosis of swimmer’s shoulder is made by a doctor based on your medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.

What is the treatment of swimmer’s shoulder?

The treatment for swimmer’s shoulder depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. For more severe cases, we might recommend the following treatments:

• Antiinflammatory medication: this may be prescribed for a period after your injury in order to reduce shoulder tendon inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: this may help to facilitate a speedy and healthy recovery. You’ll learn shoulder-strengthening exercises and stretches for swimmer’s shoulder, which will improve your shoulder’s range of motion and increase flexibility.
• Steroid injections and PRP injections: these can temporarily relieve pain in the shoulder and reduce inflammation and aid recovery.
• Surgery: although most cases can be resolved without an operation, surgery may be recommended if your symptoms fail to improve despite previous treatments. Surgeons can use minimally invasive strategies to locate and remove inflamed tissue in and around the shoulder.

How can I prevent swimmer’s shoulder?

• Always warm up before swimming and other activities that involve overhead movements.
• Stretch your shoulders regularly.
• Use proper technique when swimming and other activities that involve overhead movements.
• Avoid swimming or doing other activities that cause pain in your shoulder.

If you are looking for help to recover from a shoulder injury, we encourage you to make an appointment to see the doctors at Warrandyte Road Clinic.

Dr Sara Safari

Sports and Musculoskeletal Doctor

Dr Sara Safari is an experienced sports and musculoskeletal doctor with extensive experience in helping athletes and active individuals of all ages and levels get back to the activities they love.

She has previously held roles as a sports doctor with the AFL Academy, the Sydney Swans, Melbourne City FC and Eastern Ranges Football Club. In addition to her practice at Warrandyte Road Clinic, she also consults as a sports and musculoskeletal physician at Knox Orthopaedic Group and assists in orthopaedic surgeries on a regular basis at various hospitals around Melbourne. She is experienced at room ultrasound for rapid diagnosis and is an expert in the field of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

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