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.

  1. Causes

    • 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

    • 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.

    Identification

    • 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

    • 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

    • Backstroke swimmers can prevent shoulder injuries by perfecting stroke technique, and strengthening shoulders and arms. Swimmers should avoid overstretching the anterior shoulder.

    Warning

    • 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.