These stats on injuries are STAGGERING.

When it comes to swimming, injuries are almost inevitable.

Looking at the prevalence and incidence of injuries of NCAA swimmers,

• Up to 91% of swimmers experience shoulder injuries

• 86% experience of swimmers experience knee pain, typically seen in breaststrokers

• Up to 50% of swimmers who specialize in butterfly or breaststroke experience back pain

These are staggering numbers, especially coming from a non-contact sport.

Although swimming may be deemed as a “safer” sport when compared other contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, it is not without its own host of injuries.

So why do these injuries arise?

Many of these injuries are a result of repetitive stresses on joints and soft tissue, i.e. muscles tendons, ligaments.

For example, elite athletes take ~200,000 of stroke cycles per 5000m practice. For age group swimmers and recreational swimmers, that number is greater in order to complete the same distance.

Factors such as improper technique combined with several hundred-thousands of stroke cycles will likely result in repetitive stress injuries. Other factors such as a lack of or an inadequate strength program, poor mobility, insufficient recovery, and poor nutrition and hydration will also contribute to injury development.

So, how do you go about preventing these common swimming injuries?

The best way to prevent these injuries from developing is to address the root of the problem.

For many swimmers, obtaining technique coaching, implementing a strength and mobility program, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and maximizing sleep can keep many of these injuries at bay.

If you are a youth competitive swimmer between the ages of 8 to 18 or a parent of a youth competitive swimmer and you are not prioritizing technique, strength and mobility training, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and other recovery strategies, I highly recommend that you begin ASAP.

Looking for a comprehensive strength and mobility program that includes daily check-ins, team coaching, and daily tips to optimize your nutrition, hydration, sleep, and general recovery strategies?

I offer virtual team coaching for both age group swimmers and recreational and masters swimmers.

As always, leave feedback by replying to this email. I love sharing the wealth of knowledge and I’m glad I get to share it with you!

Until next time,

Sandra

PS - You don’t have the same body as the person next to you. So why would you train and fuel the same way as them? Tailor your training and nutrition so it fits YOU instead of doing cookie-cutter programs that don’t work. Sign up for 1:1 coaching with me.

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