Swimmers’ Shoulders: Keep Them Strong and Healthy with Massage

Swimmers know the grind. Lap after lap. Stroke after stroke. Shoulders doing most of the heavy lifting. While the cardio is great and the technique is beautiful, the wear and tear? It’s real.

Ask any swimmer who’s been doing it for years: The shoulders are the first to go.

Why Swimmers’ Shoulders Break Down

Swimming is all about repetition. The shoulder joint, which has the most range of motion in the body, gets pushed to its limits again and again. That’s fine if everything is working perfectly.

But let one muscle tighten up or one imbalance creep in, and suddenly you’ve got:

• Impingement

• Rotator cuff irritation

• Bicep tendon pain

• That nagging click that wasn’t there last season

  
  

Once it starts, it doesn’t just go away with rest. It builds. Quietly. Until one day, you’re out of the pool—not by choice, but because you can’t lift your arm.

How to Keep Your Shoulders Swimming for Years with Massage

This isn’t about magic tricks or taping techniques. It’s about consistency and giving your body the recovery it deserves.

At Andrea’s Touch, we focus on shoulder longevity with:

• Deep tissue release around the rotator cuff, lats, and traps

• Releasing the pecs and biceps to restore natural shoulder movement

• Mobilizing the scapula so it glides instead of grinds

• Working on the whole chain, not just where it hurts

  
  

Because the shoulder doesn’t break on its own. It breaks from being overworked and under-supported.

What Swimmers Can Do (Besides More Drills)

1. sports massage (not just when it’s bad).

2. Strengthen your mid-back and rear delts to balance out the pull.

3. Do mobility work for the upper spine and shoulder blades.

4. Know when tightness is a signal, not just soreness.

   
   

The Importance of Recovery

Recovery is crucial. It’s not just about resting; it’s about actively helping your body heal. Incorporating recovery techniques can make a world of difference.

Consider adding gentle stretching and foam rolling into your routine. These practices can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility.

Nutrition Matters

Don’t forget about nutrition. Fueling your body with the right nutrients can enhance recovery. Focus on protein for muscle repair, healthy fats for joint health, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for antioxidants.

Stay hydrated too! Water plays a vital role in muscle function and recovery.

Listen to Your Body

Your body speaks to you. Pay attention to what it’s saying. If you feel tightness or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Address it before it becomes a bigger issue.

Incorporate regular check-ins with your body. How do your shoulders feel? Are you experiencing any pain?

Final Thought

Your shoulders are your engine in the pool. Don’t wait until they break down to take care of them. Train hard, yes—but recover smart.

Let Andrea’s Touch be the place where your shoulders reset, recover, and stay competition-ready.

By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your shoulders remain strong and healthy for years to come. Remember, it’s all about consistency and care.