Backstroke Swimming & Rotator Cuff Injuries
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries are common among competitive swimmers, and especially with backstroke swimmers as the arms provide 75% of the propulsion in the stroke. Sometimes known as swimmer's shoulder, rotator cuff injuries are experienced to some extent in up to 60 percent of competitive swimmers.
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Causes
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Backstroke swimmers who suffer from rotator cuff injuries generally experience pain in shoulder areas because of friction on rotator cuff muscles and biceps tendon from repeated stroke movement.
Features
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Rotator cuff injuries are often felt in the shoulder only during a workout and have the most intense pain when starting the pull phase of the stroke. Backstroke swimmers are prone to isolated anterior instability stemming from backward arm movement while swimming.
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Identification
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Most often, pain is felt in the first half of the pull phase of the stroke. A clicking sound or feeling in the shoulder is also an indicator of a rotator cuff injury.
Treatment
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Most rotator cuff injuries can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and icing the shoulder. Swimmers should also decrease yardage in practice and use varying strokes.
Prevention
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Backstroke swimmers can prevent shoulder injuries by perfecting stroke technique, and strengthening shoulders and arms. Swimmers should avoid overstretching the anterior shoulder.
Warning
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If not treated, rotator cuff injuries can get worse and prevent swimmers from competing. In older swimmers, it can also lead to tears of the rotator cuff.
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References
Resources
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