Swimming Injuries

Swimming Injuries

 

Swimming is often perceived as the safest sport to participate in as there is very little chance of injury. This belief is unfounded; injury is a real risk in swimming.

 

Muscular injuries can often occur amongst swimmers due to the repetitive nature of swimming strokes. Most at risk form injuries are the knees and shoulders, injuries commonly known as ‘Swimmers Shoulder’ and ‘Breast-stroke Knee’. The shoulders and knees can be placed under a lot of stress, especially in long and regular training sessions.

 

The cause of injury usually occurs when a lot of time is spent in the pool with the athlete swimming with poor technique. This can cause the knees and shoulders to be placed under extra and unnecessary stress, potentially leading to tears in the muscles.

 

Swimmers Shoulder

 

Correctly known as painful arc or rotator cuff tendinitis swimmers shoulder injuries can occur when:

 

Ø       any of the four shoulder muscles are over used

Ø       there is poor blood supply to the muscles

Ø       there is poor swimming technique

 

Treatment for this injury consists of resting the injured muscles followed by an assessment of the swimmers stroke technique. Failing to address poor swimming technique leaves the athlete at risk from suffering the same injury many times.

 

Breast-stroke Knee

 

As with shoulder injuries knee injuries in swimming are most likely to be cause due to over use and poor technique. Knee injuries are a particular risk in breast-stroke as the knee is required rotate; a movement is not designed do. Because of this rotation the knee is put under grater stress placing it a greater risk of injury. It is essential to ensure that the stroke is being performed correctly otherwise the knee will be put under even greater stress.

 

The best action to take to reduce the risk of injuring the knee is to carryout strengthening exercises such as squats and leg presses followed by good quality stretches. 

 

The information provided in this article is for guidance only and should not be used in place of recognised training.

 

Allsport Medical

 

Allsport Medical is also a supplier of a wide range of sports first aid kits  including a kit specifically designed for swimming pools. Our range also consists of supplies which include Hot & Cold Therapy, Sports Tapes & Bandages and Dressing & Wound care.

 

www.allsportmedical.co.uk