Once an injury is identified, the athlete should be advised to see a physician with an expertise in sports medicine. Relative rest is generally returning to the level of training at which the shoulder did not hurt. If the pain persists at this level, further reduction in training load should be considered. If initial treatment is unsuccessful after a two-week trial, reevaluation by a physician and subsequent physical therapy may be indicated. Some physicians recommend cortisone injections, and there is a place for them.
Surgery is a late stage treatment in rare cases.
In addition to monitoring technique and progression of training in the pool, prevention should focus on developing strength and endurance in the muscles surrounding the shoulder. Specifically, some recommended strengthening exercises include seated rows, lat pull downs, triceps extensions, lateral shoulder raises and lat pullovers. Those with injured shoulders should avoid the bench press and pectoral flys. All of these exercises can be found, with a description of how to do them, in basic strength training books. Any trainer or physical therapist should also be able to instruct you how to perform these exercises correctly.