1995 student writing contest winner: glenohumeral joint impingement in swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to look at the different motions swimmers produce while practicing their sport and how these different motions cause problems with glenohumeral joint impingement, or "swimmer's shoulder." All four competitive strokes were analyzed to determine their effect on shoulder pain. Reasons for swimmers' impingement problems include long and demanding training seasons, lack of strength and flexibility, hypovascularity in the rotator cuff tendons, and different bony configurations that may predispose athletes to shoulder pain. Current methods of prevention of glenohumeral joint impingement syndrome include strengthening and flexibility exercises and supervision of proper stroke mechanics. Treatment includes the use of modalities, such as ice, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, NSAIDs, and pain-free exercises.