Written by: Damien O’Sullivan, PT, DPT
Swimming is a fun, recreational activity that can also be an effective workout. There are more than a million competitive and recreational swimmers in the United States participating in this low-impact fitness activity. More than a third of these competitive athletes practice up to 4-5 hours a day, 4-5 times a week and train year round. Training in such a manner places a swimmer’s joints under immense pressure and greatly increases the chances of developing an overuse injury.
The most commonly injured areas tend to be the shoulders, knees, hips and back. There are four strokes that are recognized in competitive swimming: freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke. The choice of stoke that a swimmer specializes in plays a notable role in dictating the location and type of injury that they are most susceptible to. For example, an individual specializing in breast stroke is 5 times more likely to suffer from knee pain due to the valgus biomechanical stresses imposed on their lower limbs. Freestyle and backstroke are the main causes of swimmer’s shoulder and butterfly has the highest incidence of lower back pain.
One of the best ways to prevent the onset of repetitive stress injuries is to vary the strokes you use while swimming. This helps split the workload more equally throughout the body. Working with a certified swimming coach to learn good stroke technique and correct biomechanics is also crucial.
If you do notice an injury then timely communication with a sports physical therapist or athletic trainer is of critical importance. Key symptoms to be watchful for include: dull persistent pain presenting as an ache, increasing periods of discomfort both during and after activity, visible swelling or redness to the associated body part. Catching these injuries early can be the difference in ensuring you have a successful season rather than being sidelined and frustrated for prolonged periods.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.