Introducing Swimmer DryLand Performance Programme

 Swimmers Shoulder is a common condition affecting both competitive and recreational swimmers. It is basically an overuse 
  injury which results in the patient presenting with impingement or rotator cuff type symptoms during or after performing the 
  aggravating activity. The primary pathology is muscular imbalance. The freestyle and surfer's strokes result in overdevelopment 
  of both the shoulders internal rotators (subscapularis), compared to external rotators (infraspinatus) and the anterior chest wall 
  musculature (pectoralis major and minor ) relative to the posterior wall scapular stabilisers (rhomboids, levator scapuli, serratus 
  anterior and parts of the trapizius). The end result is that scapula assumes a protracted abducted position with associated 
  reduction in the subacromial space. This, combined with the relative weakness of the infraspinatus, leads to impingement 
  of the supraspinatus tendon on the under surface of the acromium. The swelling associated with repeated impingement leads to 
  further reduction of the subacromial space. With time the abnormal scapula position becomes relatively fixed secondary to tight 
  anterior structures. Left untreated the patient suffers continuing disability and risks the development of supraspinatus tendinosis 
  or tear.

  Diagnosis 
  The diagnosis is usually straight forward. The patient complains of anterior shoulder pain during or after the activity.
  During swimming the freestyle the swimmer may demonstrate a wide flattened stroke, the so called "dropped elbow", this may 
  be present at the start of the swim or develop during the swim as the scapula stabilizers (especially serratus anterior) fatigue.
  On examination they often have bilateral abnormal scapula malpositioning resulting in a round shouldered appearance and slight 
  winging, tenderness over the supraspinatus insertion into the greater tuberosity is common, a painful arc is often present in 
  forward flexion and abduction, impingement tests are positive. Shoulder stability should also be assessed as subtle instability 
  is common in swimmers and may contribute to impingement.

  Treatment
  Treatment involves correction of the muscle imbalance and anterior shoulder stretches. Initially a thera-band programme focused 
  in external rotation (infaspinatus) strengthening and scapular stabilization exercises, progressing to weight machines and free 
  weights as tolerated, combined with appropriate stretches. This approach is usually successful; it may need to be augmented 
  with directional preference programming. Ideally these exercises shoulder be part of the swimmers training program so as to 
  prevent the condition in the first place.

  So what does it take to get to the top as a swimmer? 
  In striving for this we have a team dedicated to developing an integrated approach to the observation and analysis of swimming 
  performance in training and competition environments. Swimmers are provided with individualised biomechanical and 
  performance analysis, that has been integrated by our "experts" to provide a customised training program aimed at optimising 
  swimming skill acquisition. 

  The introduction of what is called "Swimming performance development package" provides;
  * Systemic assessment and record of performance
  * Pool and dry land training customisation
  * Fully supervised strength and conditioning programs
  * Optimization of training time, recovery and areas of weakness
  * Fast tracked expert injury management
  * Access to nutritional advise