Tendinitis is when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or disease.
Shoulder injuries in swimmers often stem from
Swimmers commonly experience shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, labral tears and shoulder instability. Each of these injuries requires specific attention and treatment
Description: Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles and the subacromial bursa become compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder, particularly the acromion and the humeral head.
Causes: Repetitive overhead arm movements, poor posture, muscle imbalances, and structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint can contribute to impingement.
Symptoms: Pain with overhead movements, especially during the late cocking phase of the swimming stroke, weakness, and decreased range of motion are common symptoms.
Description: Rotator cuff tears involve partial or complete tears in one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis).
Causes: Rotator cuff tears can result from acute trauma, such as a fall or sudden forceful movement, or chronic overuse and degeneration due to repetitive overhead activities like swimming.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty with overhead activities. In severe cases, a noticeable defect or bulge may be present in the shoulder.
Description: Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, and in swimmers, it commonly affects the tendons of the rotator cuff or the biceps.
Causes: Overuse, repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, and inadequate shoulder conditioning can contribute to the development of tendonitis.
Symptoms: Symptoms typically include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected shoulder, particularly with overhead movements or activities that stress the involved tendon.
Description: Shoulder instability refers to a condition in which the shoulder joint is prone to subluxations (partial dislocations) or dislocations, where the humeral head partially or completely comes out of the glenoid socket.
Causes: Shoulder instability can result from acute trauma, such as a fall or collision, or chronic overuse leading to ligament laxity and muscle weakness.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include a sensation of the shoulder slipping or popping out of place, pain, weakness, and apprehension with certain movements.
Description: Labral tears involve injury to the cartilage rim (labrum) surrounding the glenoid socket of the shoulder joint. In swimmers, labral tears may occur due to repetitive overhead motions or traumatic events.
Causes: Causes include repetitive stress, shoulder impingement, shoulder instability, and acute trauma.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include shoulder pain, popping or catching sensations, decreased range of motion, and a feeling of shoulder instability.
