I'd hate this to be my first post! Moreover, i knew this has been discussed many times before.. but the threads are so many it's hard to find what I want!
I am an amateur 34yr old swimmer doing 3 times a week training program for the last three months..
Eventually as i increased pace and program, i started having swimmer's shoulder pain.. I do more freestyle swimming and try to variate pace/prgram every while.. I do about one hour and some 2.5km per session with many combinations.. (hope my calculations are right!)
My question is:
1) should i quit for a while till the shoulder pain goes away
2) should i continue lightly and do shoulder exercises
3) is it necessary to see a doctor/..
Other comments really appreciated!
Thanks,
wael
Parents
Former Member
Sounds a lot like typical "swimmer's shoulder"-- basically an impingement problem resulting in tendinitis (supraspinatus or biceps). The MRI is a great idea to rule out a small rotator cuff tear or a SLAP injury (less likely). My understanding is that muscle imbalance plays a big role, allowing the head of the humerus to move forward and trap the tendon(s). Think about the typical swimmer's posture--slouched, shoulders forward. Physical therapy exercises (using elastic bands) designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the scapula (shoulder blade) can be very beneficial, along with ice after workouts and antiinflammatory agents (you have to treat the inflammation). I also believe in glucosamine if there are signs of osteoarthritis.
I agree with looking at technique and as stated earlier increasing the workout yardage very slowly. But I firmly believe that any muscle imbalance needs to be corrected to "cure" the problem (really the exercises are for life if you intend to keep swimming).
Sounds a lot like typical "swimmer's shoulder"-- basically an impingement problem resulting in tendinitis (supraspinatus or biceps). The MRI is a great idea to rule out a small rotator cuff tear or a SLAP injury (less likely). My understanding is that muscle imbalance plays a big role, allowing the head of the humerus to move forward and trap the tendon(s). Think about the typical swimmer's posture--slouched, shoulders forward. Physical therapy exercises (using elastic bands) designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the scapula (shoulder blade) can be very beneficial, along with ice after workouts and antiinflammatory agents (you have to treat the inflammation). I also believe in glucosamine if there are signs of osteoarthritis.
I agree with looking at technique and as stated earlier increasing the workout yardage very slowly. But I firmly believe that any muscle imbalance needs to be corrected to "cure" the problem (really the exercises are for life if you intend to keep swimming).
