If you’re suffering from shoulder pain from swimming this summer, we may have some answers why. Most shoulder pain, especially when starting a new routine and working on new muscle groups, is not cause for concern and is easily treated. Swimmer’s shoulder, known as a shoulder impingement, is a type of shoulder tendinitis. The tendons in the shoulder become inflamed and swollen, pinching and pressing on nearby bones, muscles, or other tendons.
Shoulder impingement may stem from the tightness of chest and shoulder muscles, weakness of lesser-used shoulder muscles, or overusing fatigued muscles. Frequent strain to shoulder muscles from repeated lifting or reaching overhead can cause the pain associated with swimmer’s shoulder. Tendinitis is a common sports injury experienced by baseball players, tennis players, and swimmers. Other professionals, like construction workers and electricians, are prone to shoulder tendon pain as well.
Swimmer’s shoulder may initially feel like muscle soreness or a noticeable reduction in range of motion. Patients should not ignore symptoms or delay initial treatments and healing for too long. Left untreated, the causes of swimmer’s shoulder can lead to more serious damage, like rotator cuff tear. Treatments for swimmer’s shoulder may include rest, ice, heat, and pain medication. Steroid injections can also reduce inflammation and relieve shoulder pain from swimming.
When you see a sports medicine doctor at OrthoOIC, you can get the best assessment of your swimmer’s shoulder or any other shoulder pain. Our specialists can help address performance issues that may be causing your shoulder pain. Sports medicine doctors can also suggest alternative workouts that will keep you active this summer while relieving the shoulder pain from swimming. Visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care for convenient service and quality care for your sports injuries.