INVESTIGATION OF THE MAIN MUSCULOSKELETAL SHOULDER INJURIES IN SWIMMERS AND PREVENTION PROPOSALS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Swimming requires significant effort from the shoulders, which are responsible for up to 90% of propulsion, thereby increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to muscular imbalances and overload. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in preventing and treating these injuries, ensuring the health and performance of swimmers. This study aimed to investigate the main musculoskeletal shoulder injuries in swimmers and the proposed prevention strategies. This is a narrative review, based on previously published scientific articles on the topic. The search was carried out in the PubMed and Scielo databases from February to September 2024. Out of a total of 13.225 articles, after title analysis and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included in this review. Strategies such as elastic bands, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, taping, and exercises in open and closed kinetic chains were effective in improving muscle torque and reducing pain. These interventions are crucial for both preventing and rehabilitating shoulder musculoskeletal injuries in swimmers.