Swimmer’s shoulder is a condition that can develop when tendons in the shoulder rub against the shoulder blade. Repetitive movements can irritate or inflame the soft tissue in the shoulder joint. This can lead to shoulder pain and joint stiffness, among other symptoms. The condition is called swimmer’s shoulder because swimmers and other athletes engaged in repetitive overhead motions are particularly vulnerable. One 2024 study found that shoulder pain is the most common complaint among swimmers, and nearly half of all youth competitive swimmers experience shoulder symptoms. Swimmer’s shoulder can also affect anyone who performs similar overhead motions, like throwing or lifting.

When it comes to treating swimmer’s shoulder, physical therapy can offer great solutions. Physical therapists use specialized techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to your favorite activities without discomfort. Exploring PT treatment techniques can help you understand how your shoulder symptoms may be addressed.

5 Physical Therapy Treatments for Swimmer’s Shoulder

1. Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that target joints and soft tissue. When addressing swimmer’s shoulder, a licensed physical therapist will focus on the affected tissue in the shoulder. Your physical therapist may use techniques like soft tissue manipulation, assisted stretching, and joint mobilization. These treatment techniques are intended to reduce tension and improve range of motion. Each technique serves a unique purpose. Soft tissue manipulation can help release tight muscles around the shoulder; joint mobilization can restore proper movement in the shoulder joint. These techniques can be great for pain relief. This isn’t their only use, though. Manual therapy can also address the underlying issues contributing to your symptoms. Manual therapy is often combined with other treatments, like exercises or electrical stimulation, for optimal results.
2. Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation, also called e-stim, uses small electrical currents to reduce pain and promote healing. During treatment, your physical therapist will place adhesive pads on your shoulder or nearby muscles. The device sends gentle pulses through the pads, helping to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow. Electrical stimulation is useful for reducing inflammation and easing muscle tension caused by swimmer’s shoulder. It can also be a great way to manage pain without relying on medication.
3. Ultrasound therapy — Ultrasound therapy is another helpful treatment for swimmer’s shoulder. This technique uses sound waves to generate heat in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The heat increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. During an ultrasound therapy session, your physical therapist will use a handheld device to deliver sound waves to the affected area. Ultrasound treatment is designed to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in targeted areas. Ultrasound therapy is particularly beneficial for addressing persistent inflammation, which is a common aspect of swimmer’s shoulder.
4. Aquatic therapy — Swimming is often the cause of swimmer’s shoulder. However, this does not mean you need to avoid all aquatic activities. In some cases, exercising in the water may have a positive impact on your recovery. Aquatic therapy is a water-based treatment that takes advantage of the buoyancy and resistance of water. This low-impact approach allows you to perform exercises without putting extra stress on your shoulder joint. In the pool, you can practice gentle movements and strengthening exercises that target the muscles around your shoulder. Water’s natural resistance helps build strength while reducing strain on injured tissues. Aquatic therapy is especially helpful for athletes recovering from swimmer’s shoulder because it allows them to stay active while protecting the shoulder from further damage.
5. Targeted exercises — Targeted exercises are often a key part of physical therapy for swimmer’s shoulder. Your physical therapist can develop an exercise plan tailored to your condition and recovery goals. PT exercises tend to focus on strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder joint, improving flexibility, and correcting movement patterns that contribute to pain. Your physical therapist might guide you through exercises to strengthen your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles responsible for facilitating shoulder rotation. Rotator cuff strengthening exercises, like shoulder rotations with a resistance band, can help stabilize your shoulder and reduce strain during swimming. Your physical therapist can help you adjust your exercise regimen as needed during your recovery journey.

Stretches to address swimmer’s shoulder

In addition to other physical therapy treatments, stretching can be a great way to relieve swimmer’s shoulder symptoms. Stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and restore proper shoulder joint movement. Your physical therapist can help you find effective exercises that meet your needs. Here are five stretches that may be helpful when managing swimmer’s shoulder:

• Cross-body shoulder stretch — The cross-body shoulder stretch targets the muscles at the back of the shoulder. To do this stretch, extend one arm across your chest. Use your opposite hand to gently pull the arm closer to your body. Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds; then switch sides. You can repeat this exercise several times on each arm.
• Child’s pose — Child’s pose is a stretch intended to open up your shoulders and upper back. To do this stretch, start by kneeling on the floor and sitting back on your heels. Extend your arms forward, lowering your chest toward the floor as your arms extend. Once you have extended to the end of your comfortable range, hold your position. Try to hold for around 20 seconds, breathing deeply. You should feel the stretch along your back and in your shoulders. When resetting, gradually pull your arms back and straighten your back.
• Sleeper stretch — Swimmer’s shoulder can make shoulder rotation difficult. The sleeper stretch is intended to improve internal rotation in the shoulder. To do the sleeper stretch, lie on your side. Your affected shoulder should be on the floor with your arm extended in front of you. Leave your other arm lying on the side of your body. From this position, bend the elbow of your extended arm up to a 90-degree angle. With your opposite hand, grasp the outside of your extended forearm. Then gently press your forearm down toward the floor. You may feel a stretch along your biceps and shoulder. Hold for 15-20 seconds; then release.
• Wall angels — To do wall angels, stand with your back against a wall. Keep your arms bent at a 90-degree angle, as if you’re making a goalpost shape. Slowly raise and lower your arms, keeping them in contact with the wall. Keep your elbows bent, only moving your arms at the shoulder joint. You can repeat the up-and-down motion 10-20 times, depending on your physical therapist’s guidance. Wall angels can be a great exercise for improving shoulder mobility and posture.
• Overhead triceps stretch — Overhead triceps stretches can help relieve painful tension in your shoulder. To do this exercise, raise one arm overhead and bend the elbow, placing your hand on your upper back. Use your opposite hand to gently press your elbow down. Hold for 20-30 seconds; then switch sides. This stretch targets the muscles at the back of the upper arm and shoulder.

Where is swimmer’s shoulder pain located?

Swimmer’s shoulder pain is usually felt in and around the shoulder joint. You may notice discomfort in the front, back, or side of the shoulder. Some people also feel pain that extends into the upper arm or neck. The condition often starts as mild discomfort. If left untreated, however, it can worsen. Pain may occur during or after swimming, especially during repetitive motions like the butterfly stroke. It can also occur due to other strenuous repetitive motions. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important to address it early. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to further damage and a longer recovery time. By seeking professional treatment as soon as possible, you can avoid worsening symptoms and accelerate your recovery.

Recover from swimmer’s shoulder with help from Lattimore Physical Therapy

Lattimore Physical Therapy provides quality comprehensive care for people with swimmer’s shoulder and a wide range of other musculoskeletal conditions. Our team offers personalized treatment plans that incorporate manual therapy, targeted exercises, and more. We’ll work with you to address the root cause of your pain and support your recovery every step of the way. Our goal is to help you manage your symptoms and recover from your condition so that you can get back to doing what you love.

Contact our team today to learn more about swimmer’s shoulder treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.