Summer is almost here and that means it’s time to jump in the water!  Not only is swimming great exercise, it’s also a fun way to cool off and relax with friends.  If you’re planning on diving in this summer, the staff at Resurgens Orthopaedics is here with some tips that can help keep you safe and injury-free.  

Slip and Fall Injuries

Any time water is involved, the potential for a slip and fall exists.  Bone fractures, dislocated shoulders, or even neck injuries can result from a nasty fall, so it’s important to be careful when you’re around slippery concrete or rocks.  There’s a reason why pools have rules against running and horseplay, so follow those rules when you’re swimming (even if you’re not at the pool) and you’ll be more likely to maintain your footing.

Muscle Strains

If you swim competitively or swim long distances, your shoulder muscles and joints take a lot of punishment.  We treat swimmers all the time for shoulder conditions like rotator cuff injuries and labral tears.  To avoid injuries like these, try working on your stroke technique to make sure it is correct and there’s no binding during your movement.  In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid overtraining specific muscle groups to give them time to heal.

Diving Injuries

Trauma to the head and spine are some of the most frightening injuries that can occur when swimming; in many cases diving injuries can even result in paralysis.  If you’re diving, make sure you know exactly how deep the water is before you go in head-first.  Diving into natural bodies of water is never a good idea, as rocks and other objects can be present even in water that seems deep enough at first glance.

All of us at Resurgens Orthopaedics want to wish you a fun and safe summer.  We hope that these tips will help you avoid injuries while you’re making a splash.  Everybody in the pool!