Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Swimming: High Volume, High Injury Risk
Competitive swimmers train 60,000-80,000 metres per week, with each freestyle stroke placing repetitive shoulder loading. This enormous volume makes overuse injuries the dominant problem in competitive swimming. Recreational swimmers are not immune -- poor technique amplifies tissue stress significantly.
Common Swimming Injuries
Swimmer's shoulder (shoulder impingement): the most common swimming injury, particularly in freestyle and butterfly. Caused by rotator cuff fatigue and impingement during the catch phase. Breaststroker's knee: medial knee pain from the whip kick of breaststroke. Neck pain: from breathing-side head rotation pattern and improper head position. Lower back pain: from hyperlordosis during butterfly undulation. Knee in butterfly: patellofemoral pain from the dolphin kick.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Swimmer's Shoulder
Posterior rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser strengthening is the cornerstone -- addressing the internal rotation dominance that develops in swimmers. Stroke technique assessment and correction: identifying the catch-up technique, dropped elbow, and crossover patterns that increase impingement risk. Load management: reducing yardage temporarily while building shoulder strength.
Swimming Injury Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we help swimmers return to the pool. Book your swimming injury assessment today.