Occupational Therapy Keeps You Afloat
For swimmers, shoulder pain can be more than just a nuisance—it can be a significant barrier to performance, progress, and even daily function. Commonly referred to as “Swimmer’s Shoulder,” this overuse injury is one of the most frequent complaints among competitive and recreational swimmers alike.
As an Orthopedic Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist, I see this condition often and understand the unique demands it places on the shoulder complex. Occupational therapy can help you recover and return to the pool stronger and more resilient.
What Is Swimmer’s Shoulder?
Swimmer’s shoulder is a general term for shoulder pain resulting from repetitive overhead activity, typically due to poor stroke mechanics, muscle imbalance, or joint instability. It often involves:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement
- Biceps tendon inflammation
- Labral stress or tears
Symptoms may include:
- Pain with overhead motions
- Shoulder weakness or fatigue
- Limited range of motion
- Pain radiating down the arm
- Difficulty with daily activities like dressing, reaching, or lifting
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
As an occupational therapist specializing in orthopedic upper extremity rehabilitation, I take a holistic and functional approach to treating swimmer’s shoulder. It’s not just about reducing pain. It’s about restoring optimal shoulder movement and preventing reinjury.
Thorough Evaluation
Every swimmer is different. I begin with a comprehensive assessment of posture, movement mechanics, scapular control, and strength. This could include video analysis of swimming strokes, if available, and functional testing to identify the root cause of dysfunction.
Pain and Inflammation Management
- Manual therapy for soft tissue mobilization
- Neuromuscular re-education to rebalance muscle function
- Kinesiology taping
- Activity modification strategies to offload irritated tissues while maintaining fitness
Restoring Mobility and Strength
- Gentle, pain-free range of motion exercises
- Progressive rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer strengthening
- Core and postural training to address biomechanical contributors to the problem
- Dryland training support with attention to shoulder-friendly conditioning
Stroke Technique and Ergonomics
Many shoulder issues stem from poor swimming mechanics or overtraining. I educate clients on:
- Safe stroke modifications
- Appropriate training routine
- Dryland exercises that support stroke efficiency
Return-to-Swim Planning
Graduated return-to-swim protocols are essential. We build a customized plan to return to laps in the water, one phase at a time, to ensure proper technique, controlled intensity, and consistent monitoring of symptoms.
Why Choose Occupational Therapy?
OT offers a unique perspective: our focus on how pain and injury affect daily function. Whether it’s putting on a swimsuit, reaching into a cabinet, or typing at your desk after practice, I help you return to the life you want to live, not just the sport you love. OT supports engagement in lifelong healthy habits and swimming is one of these!
Ready to Get Back in the Water?
If you or your child is struggling with swimmer’s shoulder, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Early intervention makes all the difference. At Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PLLC, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one care with a plan designed around your goals, lifestyle, and sport.
Let’s get you back to doing what you love with strength, confidence, and freedom of movement.
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