Swimming is often praised as a low-impact sport, but the repetitive strokes and constant rotation place unique demands on your spine and nervous system. Over time, even small shifts in spinal alignment can set off patterns of tension and compensation throughout your body. And these changes can, unfortunately, limit your performance in the water.
When your spine is well-aligned, however, nerve function and body coordination are supported, allowing you to move more freely and with less strain. With compassionate care and a focus on restoring balance, chiropractic treatment can help swimmers protect their bodies and continue doing what they love. So, what swimming injuries can chiropractic care help? Here are the top three!
1. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is a frequent concern for swimmers, especially given the repetitive overhead strokes required in training. While many people think of this condition as a purely shoulder-based issue, the spine plays a central role—particularly the cervical and thoracic regions.
When spinal alignment shifts, it alters how the shoulder blade rests and moves against the ribcage. A rounded thoracic spine and forward head posture reduce the space through which shoulder tendons glide, increasing pressure in the joint. Over time, this creates the sensation of “pinching” that swimmers often describe.
Chiropractic care addresses these underlying spinal mechanics. Through targeted adjustments and spinal decompression techniques, chiropractors relieve pressure on the nerves that supply the shoulder, restore mobility to the thoracic spine, and encourage better posture. This reduces the stress that contributes to impingement while allowing the body to re-establish healthier movement patterns.
Yet, the transition isn’t instantaneous—adaptation takes time. With consistent decompression and alignment work, the body learns to maintain proper positioning, reducing strain on the shoulders and supporting long-term swimming performance.
2. Lower Back Strain
Lower back strain haunts swimmers who push through long training sessions. The repetitive hyperextension during strokes places continuous stress on the lumbar vertebrae. Put more simply, your lower spine ends up absorbing the forces from both leg kicks and torso rotation.
Spinal misalignments in the lumbar region also affect surrounding muscle activation patterns. When vertebrae shift from their optimal positions, nearby muscles must compensate. This compensation leads to uneven force distribution across your lower back. And, in turn, this can cause eventual pain.
The sacroiliac joints connect your spine to your pelvis. And these joints require proper alignment to transfer forces efficiently through your body. Your Plano chiropractor, however, can evaluate how your pelvis and spine work together during movement. We can identify misalignments that contribute to lower back strain patterns.
From there, we can help restore normal biomechanics throughout your kinetic chain. Each adjustment works toward optimal spinal positioning and nerve function!
3. Neck Pain
Neck pain is another common issue for swimmers, often stemming from the repetitive head turns needed for breathing. Each rotation places uneven stress on the cervical vertebrae, which must stay stable while moving hundreds of times in a single session.
When the cervical spine shifts out of alignment, normal motion becomes restricted. This often leads to compensatory movements that place extra strain on surrounding muscles and joints. The upper cervical spine, in particular, plays a key role in how fluidly your head rotates during each stroke.
Swimming posture can further intensify these problems. Even subtle changes in head position affect the curve of the entire cervical spine.
Yet, chiropractors can carefully evaluate how your technique and posture influence spinal health, then use gentle adjustments and spinal decompression to restore balance. As a result, proper cervical alignment supports clear nerve communication to the neck and shoulder muscles, improving coordination and reducing strain. With consistent chiropractic care, your body gradually adapts to healthier movement patterns—helping you maintain comfort and efficiency in the water.
Moving Forward With Chiropractic Care
At the end of the day, chiropractic care addresses the spinal components underlying common swimming discomforts, tackling issues at their source. Additionally, regular adjustments help maintain the alignment necessary for comfortable swimming.
Ready to discover the power of chiropractic care? At Keystone Chiropractic, our team is ready to help. Book your appointment with us today!
