Physio Friday: swimmers and shoulders

The stats (current USA stats from elite programs)

• 82% of elite male swimmers report shoulder pain
• Competitive swimmers: 10,000 to 20,000 yards per day
• An average of 8 to 12 strokes per 25 yards
• Over one million shoulder rotations per week
• Lifetime injury incidence of 47 to 73%

The large moment arm needed to reach and pull through the water generates large forces on the shoulder.

So what can swimmers do?

1. Technique: make sure they have good technique, to help decrease injury rates.
2. Maintenance: stretching, strength, physio, massage, active rest and good nutrition.
3. Early detection of imbalances and irritations.

If you are a swimmer, even if not at these levels but a regular one, come and get a screening and make sure you aren’t at risk. Shoulder and back mobility is crucial, and as we age it can decrease; these changes can creep up on us. Much better to be ahead of the injury than having to deal with one.

If you have a question or need some advice, call us on (02) 4228 9299 or message us. If you want a swim-specific screening or need some treatment, book online.