5 Common Swimming Injuries (And How Chiropractic Care Can Help)

Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active, build endurance, and maintain overall health. However, like any physical activity, swimming can sometimes lead to injuries that can hinder your progress and cause discomfort. 

If you’ve recently experienced an injury—or if you want to prevent one from happening altogether—your Noblesville chiropractor is here to help. In this article, we explore the top five common swimming injuries and how your local chiropractor can help you bounce back!

1. Swimmer’s Shoulder

Swimmer’s shoulder is a common overuse injury caused by the repetitive nature of shoulder movements in swimming. It is actually a term used to cover a variety of shoulder injuries that are common with swimming, including impingement, rotator cuff issues, labral injuries, and tendonitis. Symptoms of these conditions often include pain, stiffness, and weakness in the shoulder joint. 

Luckily, chiropractic care can help alleviate swimmer’s shoulder by addressing any misalignments in the spine and shoulder. This can further prevent future injuries, allowing you to swim your way toward better health without pause.

2. Lower Back Pain

Chiropractors are experts when it comes to the spine. The unfortunate truth is that the repetitive twisting motion and overextension of the lower back during swimming can lead to various pain and discomfort. 

However, chiropractors can help identify the root cause of your lower back pain, whether it stems from improper technique, muscle imbalances, or spinal misalignments. Through gentle adjustments and personalized treatment plans, chiropractic care can, then, help alleviate lower back pain and improve your overall swimming performance.

3. Neck Strain

Swimmers often experience neck strain due to the constant turning of the head to breathe and the repetitive neck movements involved in certain strokes. Chiropractic care can help relieve neck strain by addressing any misalignments in the cervical spine, promoting proper posture, and providing targeted stretches and exercises to strengthen the neck muscles.

4. Knee Pain

Surprisingly, swimmers can experience knee pain quite frequently. In fact, breaststroke swimmers, in particular, are prone to knee pain due to the unique kick involved in the stroke. 

In these cases, chiropractic care can help by addressing any misalignments in the hip, knee, and ankle joints and providing guidance on proper kicking techniques to prevent it from happening again.

5. Hip and Groin Injuries

The powerful kicking motion in swimming can sometimes lead to hip and groin injuries, such as strains or tendinitis. Chiropractors can help identify and address any underlying issues contributing to these injuries, such as muscle imbalances or joint misalignments. 

In addition to treating specific swimming injuries, regular chiropractic care can also help optimize your overall swimming performance. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, addressing muscle imbalances, and providing guidance on injury prevention techniques, chiropractors can help you swim more efficiently, reduce your risk of injury, and achieve your swimming goals.

If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain related to swimming, consider consulting with the Anchor Health Chiropractic team today. We can provide you with a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs, help you recover from injuries, and support your ongoing swimming journey. With the right care and attention, you can continue to enjoy swimming while maintaining optimal health and performance. Book your appointment now!