Swimmers: Common Injuries & Prevention

Engaging in any kind of athletic activity puts an athlete at risk for sustaining an injury. Even so, the benefits of engaging in a sport or other athletic activity far outweigh the risks of sustaining an injury due to athletic participation. Swimmers are no exception to this and just as in any other sport, there are specific injuries that swimmers are more likely to sustain.
Common swimming injuries
It might seem as though swimmers are less at risk for sustaining injuries than athletes who engage in physical activity on land, but that is not the case. Swimmers are susceptible to many different types of injuries. Some of the most common injuries that swimmers sustain include swimmer's shoulder, breast stroke knee, lower back injuries, neck injuries and injuries to the arms and legs.

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One of the most commonly sustained injuries among swimmers is that of swimmer's shoulder. Much like the name implies, swimmer's shoulder is an injury to the shoulder. Due to the repetitive use of the arms and shoulders in swimming, excessive strain is often placed on a swimmer's shoulders and arms. Swimmer's shoulder may result from injury to the rotator cuff muscles, and in some cases, may be related to tendinitis of the arms.
Another common injury among swimmers is breast stroke knee, which is also known as swimmer's knee. Breast stroke knee results from the repetitive movements involved in performing the breast stroke. Swimmers that develop breast stroke knee are likely to suffer from pain, soreness and stiffness of the knees, caused by the excessive strain placed on the muscles and tendons surrounding the knees.
Preventing swimming-related injuries
One of the most important things that any athlete of any sport can do to prevent injury is to warm up before engaging in any type of intense physical activity. Swimmers can warm up by stretching for ten 10-15 minutes before entering the pool, or by swimming a few laps around the pool at a leisurely and relaxed pace.

Every swimmer can perform better and prevent injuries by ensuring they are using the correct form and posture when performing specific strokes. Swimmers should observe their peers, as well as seek counsel from their coaches to ensure they are practicing the right techniques when performing a stroke. By using the correct technique, a swimmer is less likely to place unnecessary strain on their body.

Lastly, swimmers may reduce the risk of injury while swimming by alternating activities. As demonstrated in injuries such as the breast stroke knee injury, continually repeated movements can place excessive strain on the body. By alternating activities, swimmers can ensure lesser-used muscles are kept active, as well as making sure that well-used muscles are given the opportunity to recover and rest.