Here's how to avoid two overuse injuries you're most likely to experience in the pool Swimming-related injuries are almost exclusively overuse injuries, meaning they result when a motion is repeated so much that it strains whatever muscles, tendons or ligaments you use to do that motion. You can prevent swimmer's shoulder by developing strong arm, shoulder and back muscles and by paying attention to your technique. In freestyle and backstroke, that means body roll. That brings in the large muscles of your back, so you're not just using your arms. It also helps push more water behind you and gives you more time to breathe, making you more efficient overall.
Poor technique can also put strain on a problem lower back.
If you have a lower-back problem, you should focus on strokes that don't put pressure on it. For freestyle and breaststroke, you could use a snorkel so you won't have to turn or lift your head. The best injury prevention is to warm up and cool down at every workout. Even five minutes of treading water and gentle stretching is better than nothing. All rights reserved.