Supporting Open Water Swimmers at PROmotion Health

At PROmotion Health, we’re passionate about helping open-water swimmers optimise their performance while preventing injuries. Whether you’re training for a major event like Port to Pub or simply enjoying the freedom of the ocean, we offer tailored support to keep you swimming strong. 

Swimmer’s Shoulder: The Most Common Complaint 

Shoulder pain is the most reported injury among swimmers, from recreational enthusiasts to professional athletes. Known as “swimmer’s shoulder,” this condition typically presents as pain in the front of the shoulder during or after swimming. It’s a multifactorial issue caused by a combination of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and training errors. 

Common Causes of Swimmer’s Shoulder 

Swimmer’s shoulder arises due to a combination of internal and external factors. Understanding these can help identify risks and guide effective management strategies. 

Internal Factors 

1. Muscular Impairments 

• Weakness or poor control in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to an inability to stabilise the shoulder during repetitive overhead movements. This instability places additional stress on the joint and surrounding tissues. 

• Imbalances in strength, endurance, or activation timing of these muscles may disrupt smooth shoulder function, increasing the likelihood of pain or injury. 

2. Restricted Range of Motion 

• Limited mobility in the shoulder joint can contribute to abnormal movement patterns, including dynamic impingement where soft tissues become pinched during motion. 

• Restricted range often leads to compensatory actions in other parts of the body, such as the neck, upper back, or opposite shoulder, further exacerbating pain. 

3. Joint Laxity or Instability 

• Some swimmers develop excessive joint movement, known as laxity, due to repeated microtrauma from intensive training or natural hypermobility. 

• This can result in the shoulder moving too freely within the socket, making it difficult to maintain stability and control during powerful swimming strokes. Over time, this instability can lead to irritation or injury. 

4. Scapular Dyskinesis 

• The scapula (shoulder blade) plays a key role in supporting shoulder function. If it doesn’t move correctly, either at rest or during swimming, it can place abnormal stresses on the shoulder joint. 

• Poor scapular control can reduce stroke efficiency and increase strain on other structures, making injury more likely. 

External Factors 

1. Training Load Errors 

• Volume: Rapidly increasing the number of training sessions or competitions without adequate adaptation time can overload the shoulder muscles and joints, leading to fatigue and pain. 

• Intensity: High-intensity sessions with insufficient recovery intervals can prevent the muscles and tendons from repairing and strengthening, leaving them vulnerable to injury. 

2. Technique Issues 

• Faulty stroke mechanics, such as crossing the centreline during freestyle or a weak pull-through phase, can lead to uneven forces on the shoulder. Over time, these inefficiencies can cause wear and tear on the joint and surrounding tissues. 

3. Equipment Use 

• Swim tools like paddles or resistance bands, while useful for building strength, can place additional strain on the shoulder if not used properly or introduced too quickly. 

4. Environmental Factors 

• Poor water conditions, such as swimming against strong currents, can increase the physical demands on the body, particularly the shoulders, as they work harder to generate forward motion. 

• Cold water temperatures may also affect muscle function and increase injury risk if a proper warm-up is not performed. 

By addressing these internal and external factors, swimmers can reduce their risk of developing shoulder pain and optimise their performance in the water. A comprehensive assessment and personalised management plan are essential for long-term success. 

Our Approach to Swimmer Care 

Managing swimmer’s shoulder requires a comprehensive strategy that identifies the root cause of discomfort and addresses it effectively. Here’s how we can help: 

• Swimming Screens: We perform detailed assessments to uncover musculoskeletal imbalances, measure range of motion, and evaluate strength symmetry. A personalised report provides targeted injury prevention strategies and a tailored plan. 

• Physiotherapy and Massage: Combining manual therapy with exercise rehabilitation, our expert team reduces pain and restores function. 

• Strength and Conditioning: Specific exercises focus on trunk, spine, and shoulder strength to meet the demands of swimming. 

• Physio Rehab Pilates: This programme enhances motor patterns, functional movement, and shoulder mobility. 

• Technique Refinement: Pool- and gym-based biomechanical analysis helps identify and correct technique flaws contributing to shoulder pain. 

Why Choose PROmotion Health? 

With a team that includes experienced clinicians and WAIS physiotherapists, we deliver a unique combination of expertise and care. Our goal is to not only address pain but also enhance your performance in the water. 

Book Your Appointment 

Visit us at 9 Leura Avenue, Claremont, or book online at www.promotionhealth.com.au. Let’s ensure your swimming journey is pain-free and successful!