What Is Swimmer’s Shoulder?

Swimmer’s shoulder is a common term that refers to shoulder impingement. This is an overuse injury typically seen in athletes whose sports involve repetitive shoulder movements. This includes:

• Baseball players

• Softball players

• Golfers

• Swimmers

Shoulder impingement develops when the muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff become swollen due to continual rotating and raising motions. When this occurs, the rotator cuff will rub against the outer edge of the shoulder blade, getting caught or pinched. 

Diagnosing Shoulder Impingement 

Impingement is one of the most causes of shoulder pain, about 44-65% of all reported cases. Symptoms of swimmer’s shoulder begin gradually, slowly worsening over time. Patients will often report pain while:

• Extending the arms

• Lifting or lowering the arms

• Reaching backward

• Lying on the impacted shoulder

• At rest

Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and tenderness (especially at the top of the shoulder).

Symptoms of shoulder impingement are similar to those found in shoulder bursitis. Oftentimes, these injuries can develop along with impingement. 

Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will expertly diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain using:

• Conversation: It’s important to note which symptoms started first and how they developed over time.

• Physical Exam: Dr. Sterett and his team will examine your shoulder for pain, tenderness, impacted range of motion, and swelling.

• Imaging Tests: These may be necessary to rule out other injuries (such as a bone fracture) and to determine the severity of the tendon damage. 

Once the shoulder injury or condition is diagnosed, Dr. Sterett will recommend a plan for treating your shoulder pain and getting your back to your active lifestyle.

How Do You Treat Shoulder Impingement?

In the majority of cases, shoulder impingement can be treated through nonsurgical methods. This includes:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen

• Physical therapy and at-home exercises

• Steroid injections 

Surgery to repair a shoulder impingement is rare. However, Dr. Sterett may recommend it in the following situations:

• Nonsurgical treatment methods have no impact

• There is severe tearing to the rotator cuff

• Significant nerve damage is present

• There is multidirectional instability in the shoulder

If surgery is needed, Dr. Sterett will always recommend the least invasive procedure possible. If the impingement can be repaired arthroscopically (meaning several tiny incisions are made around the shoulder, allowing Dr. Sterett to access the damage without a large incision), then recovery is relatively quick. 

Above all, Dr. Sterett is dedicated to providing you with a treatment plan that gets you back to performing activities you love at the highest level. 

Shoulder Pain? Contact Team Sterett Today!

If you are experiencing severe shoulder pain, contact Vail Valley’s shoulder expert! Dr. Sterett and his team will professionally diagnose your condition and compassionately work with you to design the best care plan possible.

Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-7220 or request a consultation using our online appointment form. Urgent care and telehealth appointments are always available!