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The most common swimming injuries and their prevention

September 3, 2021

Swimming is an enjoyable and beneficial physical exercise; however, it also carries the potential for injury. Being conscious of the common swimming injuries is crucial, allowing you to implement measures to avert their occurrence.

Note! This article is intended to be of general informational use only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from a doctor.  

Bruises and abrasions

No doubt, contusions and abrasions rank among the most common injuries associated with swimming. They can occur both in the pool and in open water, and are often related to lack of attention to others and unsuitable technique. Comprehending how to avoid these injuries and how to respond in case of their incidence is crucial.

In order to prevent swimming injuries linked to strokes and collisions, be attentive to your environment and fellow swimmers. Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and others, watch your movements, and use available means to mark the boundaries of the pool or open water swimming area.

In the event of bruises or abrasions, immediately attend to the injured area. Wash it with clean water and apply an antiseptic to prevent infection. If the injury is serious or worrisome, seek medical attention.

In general, practicing caution, respect for other swimmers, and proper swimming technique will help reduce the risk of bruises and abrasions during exercising. 

Strains and sprains

Another popular entry on swimming injuries statistics is muscle strains and sprains that can arise during water trainings. Improper stroke technique, insufficient warm-up or overexertion may produce undesirable effects on muscles and ligaments. To minimize the risk of such injuries, you should use precautions and handle your body.

Improper movement during swimming, such as sudden turns, excessive pulls, or improper body positioning, can put excessive strain on certain muscle groups, which can lead to sprains and strains. To reduce this risk, gaining a grasp of the fundamentals of correct swimming technique and seeking guidance from an instructor or coach to learn the accurate execution of movements is essential.

Excessive effort is another prevalent factor contributing to muscle sprains and strains. Excessive exercise without sufficient preparation or planning can overload muscles, growing chances of wound. To avoid this, it is recommended to start training at a moderate force and slowly rise the workload. Regular breaks and rest will also help avoid overexertion. 

Engaging in a warm-up routine prior to swimming is a crucial measure to ready your muscles and ligaments for physical exertion. Incorporating mild aerobic movements, stretches, and joint mobilization aids in enhancing blood flow to the muscles and enhancing flexibility. These practices effectively diminish the likelihood of incurring swimming injuries and illnesses.

Pay close attention to your sensations during swimming. If you experience any pain, strain, or uneasiness in any body area, cease swimming promptly and take a break. If you continue to feel pain or discomfort for an extended period after swimming, it's advisable to seek medical assistance.

So, to avoid muscle strains and sprains while swimming, you should be attentive to proper movement technique, limit the load, conduct an effective preparation and listen to your body. Effective preparation and precautions will help you enjoy water exercises as diminishing the hurt hazard.

Infections of the ear

Known also as swimmer's ear, ear infections are found among competitive swimming injuries. These contaminations are triggered by water that gets stuck in the ear drum after swimming, generating a humid and favorable milieu for microbes or molds to breed. 

Participating in swimming, particularly in pools or natural water bodies, can result in water entering the ears. When water persists in the ear canal after swimming, it has the potential to weaken the defensive layer of skin in the ear and establish conditions conducive to the proliferation of microorganisms. This can lead to an infection, marked by symptoms such as pain, itchiness, discomfort, and, if neglected, potential hearing impairment.

To avert ear ailments, a number of precautions should be observed. It is essential to give careful consideration to hygiene practices following swimming. Right after swimming, make sure to dry your ears promptly to eliminate surplus moisture. A soft towel wrapped around your finger can be used for this task. Additionally, tilting your head to the side is advised to attempt to expel water from your ears.

Specialized drops for ears can be considered as tips to prevent swimming injuries since they contain formulations that help dry out any remaining humidity in the ear drum, producing a less favorable environment for microorganisms to breed.

Swimmer's Syndrome 

The list of swimming injuries extends to include the condition known as swimmer's syndrome. It is a condition that can happen due to improper technique of swimming or insufficient muscle development. It is manifested by ache and discomfort in the shoulder and back. This injury is associated with prolonged and monotonous movements in the pool, which can overload and overwork certain muscle groups.

With improper swimming technique, such as improper body positioning or improper arm and leg movements, some muscles can be overworked and others under-utilized. This can create imbalance and tension in the shoulder and back area. Also, underdevelopment of the back and shoulder muscles can cause them to not be able to handle the stress of swimming.

To prevent one of the worst swimming injuries, it is important to regularly strengthen your back and shoulder muscles. Incorporating exercises for these muscle groups into your regular workout routine will help improve their power and stamina. Strong physiques are able to handle the stresses of swimming more efficiently and decrease the likelihood of overexertion.

It is also advisable to consult a coach to clarify proper movement technique. An instructor will be able to spot and correct flaws in your technique able to cause muscle overstretching. Correct method of swimming will help to evenly distribute the load on muscles and decrease the hazard of damage. 

It is also important not to forget about stretching and doing warmups previous to water drills and after. This will help prepare your muscles and avert overexertion. Regular breaks during workout and a range of swimming activities can also help diminish the hazard of such condition. 

To summarize

To prevent these traumas, keep in mind the significance of correct swimming method through consistent warm-up prior to practice. Don’t forget to follow safety rules, utilizing suitable protective gear and seeking counsel and coaching from professional instructors. It is also important to consult with a doctor in case of any injuries.

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