Swimmer's Shoulder

If you experience persistent shoulder pain or discomfort, seeking a proper diagnosis is essential. A healthcare professional, such as a sports medicine physician or orthopedic specialist, may conduct a thorough examination, review your medical history, and may order imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of the injury.

Here are several ways a hand therapist at Restored Hope Hand Therapy may approach the treatment of swimmer’s shoulder:

• Assessment and Evaluation: We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of the shoulder, considering range of motion, strength, stability, and any specific areas of pain or discomfort.
• Education: Provide education on proper shoulder mechanics, emphasizing the importance of good technique to reduce stress on the shoulder joint.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Prescribe and guide you through specific range of motion exercises to improve flexibility in the shoulder joint. This may include stretches targeting the muscles around the shoulder.
• Strengthening Exercises: Develop a customized strengthening program to address muscle imbalances and enhance the strength of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
• Scapular Mobilization: Incorporate scapular mobilization exercises to ensure proper movement and stability of the shoulder blade, which is crucial for overall shoulder function.
• Modalities for Pain Management: Utilize therapeutic modalities such as ice, heat, or ultrasound for pain management and to reduce inflammation.
• Manual Therapy: Provide hands-on manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions, improve joint mobility, and reduce muscle tension.
• Functional Training: Integrate functional training exercises that mimic the sport or work movements to help the you regain strength and coordination specific to your sport or job.
• Patient Education on Home Exercise Program: Create a tailored home exercise program to ensure continuity of care and facilitate ongoing recovery.
• Posture Correction: Assess and address any postural issues that may contribute to shoulder problems, as poor posture can affect shoulder mechanics.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Collaboratively develop a gradual return-to-sport or return-to-work plan, ensuring that you resume your activity at an appropriate pace to avoid overloading the shoulder.
• Monitoring Progress: Regularly reassess the progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
• Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals: Collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as orthopedic specialists or physical therapists, to ensure comprehensive care for the shoulder.