Swimming Injuries
Swimming Injuries – Pro Perform Physiotherapy Woodvale
​
Swimming is an incredible sport for fitness, performance, and rehabilitation, but repetitive strokes and poor technique can place strain on the body. At Pro Perform Physiotherapy in Woodvale, we work with swimmers of all levels from Kingsley, Edgewater, Greenwood, Wanneroo, Padbury, Craigie, Joondalup, Tapping, and Madeley to prevent, treat, and manage swimming injuries.
​
Common Swimming Injuries
Shoulder Injuries (Swimmer’s Shoulder)
Repetitive overhead movements often cause shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy. These injuries are some of the most common for competitive and recreational swimmers.
​
Knee Injuries
Breaststroke swimmers frequently experience medial knee pain from MCL irritation or pes anserine bursitis caused by constant kicking.
​
Poor body alignment, weak core muscles, or incorrect streamline technique can overload the spine, leading to pain and stiffness.
​
Overuse from flutter kicks or fin training can cause ankle pain and stiffness, especially in plantarflexion.
​
Swimming Screening Assessment
-
Movement Screening: Testing flexibility, mobility, and motor control to identify deficits that may increase injury risk.
-
Strength & Endurance Testing: Focus on the shoulders and core, which are critical for efficient and safe swimming.
-
Risk Factor Identification: Reviewing past injuries, medical history, and training loads to create tailored prevention strategies.
​
Swimming Assessment and Diagnosis
-
Physical Assessment: Identifying imbalances, weakness, or poor posture through detailed testing.
-
Diagnosis: Clear explanation of your condition and pathway to recovery.
-
Medical History: Understanding past injuries and health status for accurate treatment planning.
​
Swimming-Specific Rehabilitation
-
Rehabilitation Protocols: Exercises to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility.
-
Targeted Exercises: Focused strengthening for shoulders, core, back, and legs.
-
Shoulder Strengthening: Rotator cuff and scapular stabilisation work to prevent swimmer’s shoulder.
-
Core Stability: Essential for streamline positioning, stroke efficiency, and injury prevention.
​
Load Management
-
Monitoring Training Load: Balancing swim intensity and recovery to avoid overtraining.
-
Tracking Recovery: Ensuring rest, hydration, and sleep for long-term performance.
​
Injury Prevention
-
Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Stretching and activation drills before and after swimming.
-
Strength Training: 1–2 gym sessions weekly for improved resilience.
-
Cross-Training: Pilates, yoga, or cycling to build overall conditioning.
-
Technique Optimisation: Working with coaches to correct stroke mechanics and reduce strain.
​
Return to Sport Programs
-
Gradual Return to Water: From land-based rehab to low-intensity swimming, before progressing to full training.
-
Progressive Loading: Carefully monitored increases in swim intensity to avoid setbacks.
​
Medical Management
-
Physiotherapist’s Role: Diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and referral if needed.
-
Pain Management: Ice, heat, and medical support to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
​
Working With Coaches
-
Collaborative Approach: Aligning rehab with training programs and performance goals.
-
Technique Adjustments: Fine-tuning stroke mechanics to improve performance and reduce re-injury risk.
​
Nutrition for Swimmers
Proper swimming nutrition is vital for energy, recovery, and long-term health. Hydration, balanced meals, and targeted fuel strategies help reduce fatigue, promote muscle repair, and optimise training performance.
​
​
