Can swimming be a cause of shoulder impingement syndrome? | Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Can swimming be a cause of shoulder impingement syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is typically caused by a narrowing of the space under the acromion, which most often compresses the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. In addition, a bursa sitting there can also come under pressure. Both the tendon and the bursa are subject to age-related remodelling processes, they become less elastic and can accumulate calcium, which in turn reduces their elasticity and gliding ability.

Together with the compression and friction caused by the tightness under the acromion, this can lead to tearing of the tendon. When the arm is braced sideways, the space under the acromion is particularly narrow between 60° and 120°, which is why this is where the most pain occurs. Shoulder impingement syndrome can be caused by regular overhead work, or by sports where the arms are often used overhead, such as tennis, handball or swimming. Shoulder impingement syndrome often occurs as a symptom of overstrain in athletes or as a degerative disease in middle-aged and older patients. This article may be of interest to you if it is related to the topic of calcified shoulders: Calcified shoulder

Symptoms

Shoulder impingement syndrome has characteristic symptoms and is a diagnosis that is largely based on the symptoms If a tendon, particularly often the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle, is severely overstressed, it can tear. This can happen unnoticed by the patient, the consequences being progressive restriction of movement, loss of strength and pain. A characteristic feature of shoulder impingement syndrome is the painful arc or painful arc.

With this sign, the patient is asked to raise both arms sideways as high as possible. In shoulder impingement syndrome, the area between 60° and 120° is clearly the most painful. You will find more detailed information on this topic in the article: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Symptoms

• In most cases, it begins insidiously with slight discomfort during and after major stress, for example after long periods of overhead work.
• In the later course, movement restrictions are added, especially with abduction movements and rotation of the shoulder.
• There may also be pain at rest or pain when lying on the affected shoulder.