Member Case Study: Swimming on Sore Shoulder

author : AMSSM

comments : 0

Apparently I have tendonitis in my left shoulder and will start PT next week. Are there drills/ strokes that I can do that won't keep my shoulder from healing?

Question from tri again

This is more of an injury rehab question. Apparently I have tendonitis in my left shoulder and will start PT next week. I'm about 80% certain I strained my shoulder shoveling heavy, wet snow this winter -- swimming I guess aggravates it. I've drastically cut back my swimming, but I don't want to rule it out altogether. Are there drills/ strokes that I can do that won't keep my shoulder from healing? Thanks, Joanne
 

Answer
I anticipate that you are well in to your PT or finished with your PT at this time, so this answer may serve you for future issues. It is unclear what part of your shoulder hurts: the front at the end of your collar bone in the area of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, the back of your shoulder joint, the area deep in the joint with lack of range of motion, or the upper arm area.

Recommendations for swimming depend on what area is involved and what your range of pain free motion is for the shoulder. Most of the time you can keep up with the kickboard work; position of the kickboard during laps, such as out in front or tucked under chest, would depend on your shoulder problem. Overhead strokes with arms, without resistance web gloves on your hands, should be considered when you achieve pain free range of motion. Even though breaststroke does not involve the circular arc of freestyle, back stroke, or butterfly, if you have an injury to the AC joint the motion of the arm in breaststroke can make this area of your shoulder aggravated.

Once you have recovered from the shoulder injury, it is important to be sure body roll mechanics and core scapular strength are in place. Your physician or your PT can address this with you. Sorry for the holiday delay in the answer.

Katherine L. Dec, MD
Member, AMSSM
CJW Sports Medicine, LLC

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date: January 29, 2006