PCL4-Michelle the Swimmer- Medical/Pharmacological Management

The first goal of treatment after a diagnosis of ‘Swimmer’s Shoulder’ is pain relief. This is done through rest. In most cases, athletes should stop or reduce swimming activities. Cold compression wraps should be used for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day of injury. Thereafter, they should be used 2/3 times a day, until swelling and pain diminishes. This is used both to help prevent inflammation and pain, through the ice, and a reduction in swelling through compression.

In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs should be given. Optimally, these should be non-steroidal, as these have more side-effects. Most Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are taken orally, and are mostly free from side-effects. An example is Cerebrex. On the other hand, corticosteroids are more potent, can be taken orally or as an injection, and are seldom used unless there is a pressing need.

The second goal is to restore normal strength to the rotator cuff – regaining this strength can be accomplished through weight training using light weights, 1-2.5kg, with multiple repetitions, daily. The exercises should be designed to stretch the four muscles of the rotator cuff.

http://swimming.about.com/cs/shoulderinjury/a/endswimshoulder_4.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/sports/TOPIC125.HTM#section~Treatment

http://www.alexandriamasters.com/articles/shoulder.htm