When Should Swimmers Seek a Physical Therapist?

As a swimmer, you’re no stranger to pushing your body to its limits. The intense workouts and long hours spent in the pool can lead to aches and pains that are all too familiar. Sometimes, however, these discomforts can develop into more serious injuries, and it may be difficult to know when to seek professional help. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a need for a physical therapist or other specialist.

Pain that is persistent or worsening

Experiencing minor aches and pains is a common occurrence, particularly as you age. Persistent or worsening pain during specific activities, however, is not a normal part of the aging process. Such pain is a signal from your body that something is amiss. If your pain is above a 3 out of 10 on the pain scale, it's time to get professional help to address the underlying issue.

Needing to take medication to decrease pain

Swimmers are known for their high tolerance for pain, which is usually a result of rigorous training. This can, however, lead to confusion when trying to differentiate between pain caused by a tough workout and pain caused by an inflamed or irritated muscle.

If you find yourself relying on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to alleviate post-swim pain, it may be time to seek professional help. Although NSAIDs can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation, recent studies have shown that overuse can harm tendon health, making it important to use them only on an occasional basis (unless otherwise directed by a physician).

Changing technique because of pain

When a tendon or muscle is in pain, the muscles surrounding the affected area can become inhibited. Inhibition occurs when pain disrupts the normal communication between the muscle and the nervous system, leading to a reduction in muscle activation and weakness.

This can have significant implications for your swimming technique. Reduced muscle activation or weakness can cause compensatory movements such as crossing your midline while pulling or as your hand enters the water. These changes can stress your shoulders and increase the risk of further injury. Seeking professional help as soon as you notice any changes in technique due to pain can facilitate faster recovery.

Soreness that doesn’t go away

Swimmers are accustomed to experiencing muscle soreness after a workout, but this soreness should subside within 24 to 48 hours. If soreness persists beyond this timeframe, it could be a sign of significant muscle fatigue. When a muscle is fatigued, it is more vulnerable to injury because it cannot function at its full capacity.

It's important to pay attention to your body and take it easy or rest when you experience prolonged soreness. While it may be challenging to take a break from training, giving your body time to recover will ultimately benefit your overall health and performance.

Summary

When in doubt about any ache or pain you’re experiencing, go see a physical therapist or other medical professional for an evaluation—preferably one that has experience working with swimmers. By seeing a physical therapist sooner rather than later, you can stop your ache or pain from getting worse, which will allow you to not have to miss any workouts and stay on track to reach your goals.