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Swimmer's Shoulder Symptoms & Treatment

Published April 15th, 2025 by Dr. Hoder

If you love swimming but find yourself dealing with nagging shoulder pain, you may be experiencing swimmer’s shoulder. This condition is one of the most common shoulder injuries for swimmers, resulting from repetitive overhead motion that places stress on the shoulder joint. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or just enjoy a few laps in the pool, it's important to recognize the signs of swimmer’s shoulder and seek the right treatment to prevent long-term damage. 

Swimmer’s Shoulder Symptoms & Treatment

What Is Swimmer’s Shoulder & What Causes It?

Swimmer’s shoulder refers to an overuse injury affecting the rotator cuff and surrounding structures in the shoulder. The condition occurs due to repeated overhead movements, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and even structural damage to the tendons and muscles of the shoulder. Poor stroke mechanics, lack of proper warm-up, and muscular imbalances can all contribute to this issue. If your shoulder hurts after swimming, it’s essential to address the problem early to avoid worsening pain and loss of mobility.

Recognizing Swimmer’s Shoulder Symptoms

Understanding the early signs of swimmer’s shoulder can help prevent more serious injury. Symptoms often include:

  • Persistent shoulder pain, especially during or after swimming
  • Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the shoulder joint
  • Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
  • A clicking or grinding sensation in the shoulder
  • Inflammation and tenderness around the joint

Ignoring these swimmer’s shoulder symptoms can lead to chronic pain and limit your ability to swim effectively. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to explore treatment options.

Effective Treatments for Swimmer’s Shoulder

At Markson Chiropractic & Medical, we provide comprehensive treatment plans to address swimmer’s shoulder and prevent future injury. Our approach includes:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Misalignments in the spine and shoulders can contribute to poor biomechanics, increasing stress on the shoulder joint. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, improving movement patterns and reducing pain.
  • Massage Therapy: Tight muscles and adhesions can restrict movement and worsen shoulder pain. Our targeted massage therapy focuses on relieving tension, improving blood flow, and promoting healing in the shoulder region.
  • Physical Therapy: A customized physical therapy program strengthens the rotator cuff muscles, improves flexibility, and corrects stroke mechanics to prevent re-injury. Our therapists work with swimmers to develop exercise routines tailored to their needs.

Get Treatment for Swimmer’s Shoulder in Broward County

If your shoulder hurts after swimming or you’re experiencing any common shoulder injuries for swimmers, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. At Markson Chiropractic & Medical, we provide expert care to help you recover and stay active. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward pain-free swimming!

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