Swimmer’s Shoulder, or painful arc/rotator cuff tendonitis, is a repetitive stress injury where tendons in the shoulder have been damaged. This form of tendonitis is so named because it most often affects swimmers. The body mechanics of the freestyle stroke can cause inflammation of the shoulder tendons during both the pull through and recovery phases of the stroke.
What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s Shoulder?
Pain is the primary symptom of swimmer’s shoulder. Pain is felt during the overhead motion of the freestyle stroke. Weakness at this point of the stroke is also an indication. Weakness may also indicate a tear in the tendon.
How do I know if I have Swimmer’s Shoulder?
Do you swim a lot? Do you have pain in your shoulder? If you answered yes to both you are a prime candidate for swimmer’s shoulder. Although it is possible for non-swimmers to develop swimmer’s shoulder it is extremely rare due to the body mechanics that cause it.
Pain and/or weakness occurs in the rotation arc between 80-110 degrees. If this is where the pain happens during your stroke it is a good indication of swimmer’s shoulder.
A diagnosis by a health professional is usually made by a physical exam and a medical history. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or an ultrasonography may be conducted to see if a tendon has a tear or other problem.
