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Review
. 2018 Jun;11(2):167-171.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-018-9485-0.

The Swimmer's Shoulder: Multi-directional Instability

Ivan De Martino  1 , Scott A Rodeo  2
Affiliations
Review

The Swimmer's Shoulder: Multi-directional Instability

Ivan De Martino et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Swimmer's shoulder is the term used to describe the problem of shoulder pain in swimmers. Originally described as supraspinatus tendon impingement under the coracoacromial arch, it is now understood that several different pathologies can cause shoulder pain in competitive swimmers, including subacromial impingement syndrome, overuse and subsequent muscle fatigue, scapular dyskinesis, and laxity and instability.

Recent findings: Swimmers may develop increased shoulder laxity over time due to repetitive use. Such excessive laxity can decrease passive shoulder stability and lead to rotator cuff muscle overload, fatigue, and subsequent injury in order to properly control the translation of the humeral head. Generalized laxity can be present up to 62% of swimmers, while a moderate degree of multi-directional instability can be present in the majority. Laxity in swimmers can be due to a combination of underlying inherent anatomical factors as well as from repetitive overhead activity. The role of excessive laxity and muscle imbalance are crucial in the swimmer's shoulder and should be well understood since they are the primary target of the training and rehabilitation program.

Keywords: Instability; Laxity; Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Shoulder pain; Swimmer’s shoulder.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Both authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Swimmer during the pull-through phase (backstroke)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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