Swimmers’ shoulder pain and scapula dyskinesis: a narrative review
Keywords:
shoulder, swimmers, scapula, dyskinesis, painAbstract
Introduction: Swimming, a sport requiring repetitive overhead movements, places high demand on the shoulder joint, leading to conditions like shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis.
Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conditions, examining their etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management strategies.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, focusing on English language articles published in peer-reviewed journals. The data extraction process was conducted in March 2023, and the studies included were published between 1980 and 2022.
Conclusions: Swimmers’ shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis significantly affect athletes’ performance and quality of life. A multimodal approach, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and surgery, is crucial due to their multifactorial etiology. However, the current evidence base has limitations, necessitating further research for improved diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Tiziano Preziosi Standoli, Francesco Fratalocchi, Jacopo Preziosi Standoli
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