Swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, and is not limited to any particular season. Even in the cold winter, many people visit indoor swimming pools to enjoy swimming. Swimming is recommended for people who often experience back or knee pain because it moves with buoyancy, reducing the load on the spine and joints. However, it can be harmful to the shoulders.

 

◇Swimming, causes of shoulder joint injuries

 

Swimming can be beneficial for spinal health, but many people complain of shoulder pain after swimming. This is because swimming involves many shoulder movements and repetitive motions, which can put strain on the shoulders. Excessive stimulation of the shoulders without proper stretching can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome. Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition where the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder collide with the acromion, the roof of the shoulder blade, causing inflammation. It is characterized by pain felt at certain angles and a sensation of something 'clicking' or catching inside the shoulder.

 

Director Moonseong Chul of the Gangnam Nanuri Hospital Joint Center (Orthopedic Specialist) said, "Pain does not occur from all angles, so it is common to neglect it," and "If symptoms worsen, it can lead to secondary conditions such as rotator cuff tears, so caution is needed." Additionally, symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome include ▲more severe pain in the evening than in the morning ▲pain when turning the hands and arms behind the back ▲sounds inside the shoulder when moving the arm.

Shoulder impingement syndrome can be treated with arthroscopy

 

수영 후 어깨 통증이 생기는 경우 초기에는 통증을 유발하는 동작을 자제하고 휴식을 취하는 것만으로 증상이 완화될 수 있다. 급성기에는 냉찜질을 통해 통증을 완화할 수 있지만 이후 통증이 지속되면 약물치료나 주사치료 등 보존적 치료를 진행한다. 주사치료는 점액낭 내 스테로이드와 국소 마취제를 주입해 증상을 개선하는 식이다. 증상이 나아지지 않거나 어깨뼈가 너무 많이 자라 일상에 지장을 주는 경우 수술이 필요하다. 어깨충돌증후군 수술치료로는 관절내시경을 통해 돌출된 뼈의 일부분을 제거하는 '견봉성형술'을 진행한다. 견봉성형술은 관절내시경을 사용해 견봉 부위 뼈를 다듬고, 견봉 밑의 공간을 넓혀 어깨를 움직일 때 더 이상 관절과 충돌하지 않도록 해 통증을 줄인다. 문성철 원장은 "수술 전, 충분한 보존적 치료 에도 통증이 지속되거나 일상생활이 불편하면 수술을 진행한다"며 "수술 후 즉시 통증이 감소돼 환자 만족도가 높은 편"이라고 말했다. 그는 이어 "관절내시경을 통해 진행해 불필요한 조직 손상과 합병증 발생률이 적으며, 입원 기간이 짧아 일상으로 빨리 복귀할 수 있다는 장점이 있다"고 말했다.

 

Rehabilitation management is also important after surgery. It is essential to strengthen shoulder muscles to prevent recurrence. Additionally, before swimming, you should perform sufficient stretching to maximize shoulder range of motion and reduce the risk of injury. No matter how much you strengthen your shoulder muscles, shoulder friction will inevitably occur during swimming. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy swimming for only about 40 minutes to an hour.

 

Director Moon Sung-chul said, "It is difficult for the general public to determine whether they have a shoulder condition based solely on the area of pain," and emphasized, "If your shoulder feels different after exercise, it is important to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a specialist in shoulder joint medicine."

 

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For joint health

I only thought that swimming was good.

I think I should exercise while considering this as well.