Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Swimming Too Hard Triggers “Swimmer’s Shoulder”Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/blWE7iLH_Mc   Overzealous coaches and a winning obsession may be damaging high school swimmers’ shoulders.  Data from 150 such athletes was just presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics.   Nearly 77% report pain, 66% just suck it up hoping to become better swimmers, and 51% know a peer regularly using pain medicine.  Pain with possible joint damage is related to practice intensity: little or no pain from swimming 1600-3500 yards but definite pain swimming 2,000 to 6300 yards.   Swimming is a terrific sport, but developing bodies are vulnerable to repetitive trauma and overuse damage.  If your kid is a swimmer complaining of shoulder pain after and between practices, have a word with the coach.   American Academy of Pediatrics. "'Swimmer's shoulder,' common in more than three-quarters of swimmers: Research shows that painful swimmer's shoulder may be due to heavy training load and a 'no pain, no gain' work ethic." ScienceDaily. Sc