If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
“The team at JIS is the best! My rotator cuff repair scars are almost impossible to see. They guided me and kept me on the right track throughout my long recovery. The staff at the office are awesome!!! Simply the best!” — Susan R.
For swimmers and athletes alike, shoulder pain can be more than a passing ache. In this article, we will explore what swimmer’s shoulder is, what causes it, who is most at risk, and the common symptoms to look out for.
If you’re in New Albany or St. Clairsville, Ohio, and struggling with shoulder pain, the team at JIS Orthopedics is here to help. Contact us today!
Swimmer’s shoulder is a general term used to describe the inflammation, irritation, or injury to the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. This condition is often caused by the repetitive overhead motion used in swimming strokes, such as freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly, which places significant stress on the shoulder joint. The repetitive strain can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome, where the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched, resulting in pain and limited mobility.
Swimmer’s shoulder is typically caused by repetitive overhead movements that stress the rotator cuff muscles and the surrounding tendons. The most common cause is improper swimming technique, which can result in shoulder impingement. When the shoulder blade and humeral head are misaligned during a stroke, it can lead to irritation of the supraspinatus shoulder muscles and the posterior rotator cuff muscles, causing pain and inflammation.
Although swimmer’s shoulder most commonly affects competitive swimmers, anyone who performs repetitive overhead motions can be at risk. This includes athletes involved in sports like baseball, tennis, and volleyball. However, swimmers are particularly vulnerable due to the high volume of shoulder use in training and competition.
Individuals with poor posture, particularly those with a rounded upper back (thoracic spine), are at higher risk because this misalignment puts additional stress on the shoulder joint. Additionally, those with a history of shoulder laxity or impingement syndrome may be more prone to developing swimmer’s shoulder.
Common swimmer’s shoulder symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Symptoms include:
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to chronic shoulder pain and more serious conditions like rotator cuff tears.
Treating swimmer’s shoulder typically involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the affected area. A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is essential to determine the extent of the injury and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment options include:
Incorporating stretches into your routine can help prevent and relieve the symptoms of swimmer’s shoulder by improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint. A few key stretches include:
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain or suspect you have swimmer’s shoulder, it’s important to address the issue early to prevent further injury.
At JIS Orthopedics in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, our experienced orthopedic specialists can assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to the pool—or your daily activities—without discomfort. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery and pain-free movement.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder and suspect you have a rotator cuff tear, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our orthopedic surgeons can give you peace of mind by providing you with an accurate diagnosis of your shoulder pain.
Knee, Shoulder
Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand
Sports Medicine
By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from Joint Implant surgeons. This includes SMS messages for appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, post-visit instructions, lab notifications, and billing notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. See privacy policy at https://jisortho.com/privacy-policy. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.
© 2025 JIS Orthopedics