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What Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You To Know About Swimmer's Shoulder
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You're in the middle of the peak swimming season and you're suddenly struggling with pain in your shoulder. The shoulder is a highly complex joint with many elements to allow for the extensive range of motion you have in your arms. As a swimmer, you depend on pretty much all of that range of motion, but you may not know what it means when you start feeling pain. In many cases, it's the result of a condition called swimmer's shoulder. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to know.
What Is Swimmer's Shoulder?
Swimmer's shoulder is the irritation of the shoulder joint due to overuse or fatigue. Many times, it's the result of poor swimming technique, troublesome movements in the water, or an excessive training schedule. If you're struggling with shoulder pain and any of these situations may apply, it could be swimmer's shoulder and would benefit from an evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.
How Does Swimmer's Shoulder Happen?
Whether it's due to poor form in the pool or an extensive training schedule, swimmer's shoulder happens as a result of repetitive motion. Your shoulder joint becomes fatigued and inflamed, causing the tendons and muscles to rub against each other. This worsens the inflammation and pain.
What Happens If You Ignore Swimmer's Shoulder Pain?
If you've noticed pain and discomfort in your shoulder, in the pool, or out of the pool, it's important that you visit a local orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Ignoring something like this could allow the condition to progress, ultimately leading to a rotator cuff tear, bursitis, or damage to the ligament, tendon, or cartilage in the shoulder. The sooner you seek medical intervention, the better your chances will be of a full recovery.
How Will Your Orthopedic Doctor Treat Swimmer's Shoulder?
You might wonder what the orthopedist will do if you are diagnosed with swimmer's shoulder. In many cases, you'll simply be advised to follow an ice and rest schedule to keep the inflammation down and allow the joint to recover. In some situations, you may need to have an ultrasound of the joint and might be referred for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to the pool.
These are just a few of the many things that you should understand about swimmer's shoulder if the pool is your recreation destination. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or just an active recreational one, you may be at risk for this condition. Talk with an orthopedic professional today for more help.
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