Can Swimming Help with Frozen Shoulder Recovery?

Q: Can Swimming Help with Frozen Shoulder Recovery?

Hello, sir： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions： Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that occurs in the shoulder joint capsule, where inflammation leads to varying degrees of reduced sh

Can I swim with frozen shoulder?

Hello, Doctor! I have been undergoing rehabilitation for frozen shoulder at a large hospital for over four months, and there has been significant improvement compared to my initial condition.
Aside from some limitations in raising my arm and bending backward, I can generally perform daily activities without major issues.
However, I still experience some mild pain in the shoulder area when performing pulling movements behind my back, although it is not severe.

I previously asked both the rehabilitation physician and the physical therapist if I could start swimming.
The doctor said it was okay, but the therapist advised against it, citing concerns about re-injury, which has left me uncertain about what to do.
Two months ago, I attempted to swim, but after a few laps, I started to feel some discomfort in my shoulder, so I stopped.
Now, two months later, my recovery seems to have progressed significantly, and I wonder if it is worth trying to swim again.
I am also currently being treated for hyperthyroidism, and the therapist mentioned that hyperthyroidism could slow down the recovery from injuries like frozen shoulder, which adds to my concerns about swimming for rehabilitation.

A few years ago, I had an active swimming routine, but I eventually stopped.
That healthy lifestyle made me appreciate the many benefits of swimming, and now, due to my physical issues, I am more aware of the need to avoid regression.
I hope to return to the pool soon to alleviate my back pain, but I am also worried about rushing into it and causing new injuries.
I would appreciate your guidance on this matter.
Thank you!

Nan Hua, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/21

Dr. Zhou Jianwen reply Rehabilitation

Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that occurs in the shoulder joint capsule, where inflammation leads to varying degrees of reduced shoulder mobility, particularly in the movement you mentioned, which is the difficulty in pulling back.
The focus of rehabilitation should be on joint mobilization and gradually increasing the range of motion.
In fact, hyperthyroidism, when treated appropriately with medication, should not affect your ability to exercise or rehabilitate.
Swimming has numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular function, muscle strength, and mobility.
I recommend gradually increasing your swimming distance within a pain-free range, using any stroke you prefer, such as freestyle, breaststroke, or backstroke.
Lastly, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2009/09/21

More Info

Swimming can indeed be beneficial for recovery from frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), but it is essential to approach it with caution, especially considering your current condition and the advice you've received from your healthcare providers.

Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can significantly limit range of motion. The recovery process often involves physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and function. Swimming, as a low-impact exercise, can provide a gentle way to engage the shoulder without putting excessive strain on it. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight on the joints, allowing for a greater range of motion and less pain during movement.

However, your experience of pain during swimming indicates that you may still have some underlying issues that need to be addressed. It's crucial to listen to your body and not push through pain, as this can lead to further injury. The conflicting advice from your physician and physical therapist highlights the importance of individualized care. While your physician may see the potential benefits of swimming, your therapist may be concerned about the risk of exacerbating your condition.

Here are some considerations regarding swimming and frozen shoulder recovery:
1. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Before resuming swimming, it would be wise to have a follow-up appointment with your physical therapist or physician. Discuss your current symptoms, the progress you've made, and your desire to swim. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation.

2. Start Slowly: If you receive the green light to swim, start with gentle movements. Avoid strokes that require extensive shoulder rotation or overhead movements, such as freestyle or butterfly. Instead, consider using a kickboard or swimming with a modified stroke that keeps your arms closer to your body.

3. Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up before swimming. Gentle shoulder stretches and mobility exercises can help prepare your shoulder for movement in the water. After swimming, perform cool-down stretches to maintain flexibility.

4. Monitor Pain Levels: Pay close attention to how your shoulder feels during and after swimming. If you experience pain, it may be a sign to stop or modify your approach. Pain is a signal that your body may not be ready for certain movements.

5. Consider Other Water Activities: If traditional swimming proves too painful, consider water aerobics or gentle water exercises that focus on mobility and strength without the strain of swimming strokes.

6. Thyroid Condition Considerations: Your hyperthyroidism may indeed affect your recovery speed. It's essential to manage this condition concurrently with your shoulder rehabilitation. Discuss with your healthcare provider how your thyroid treatment may impact your physical therapy and exercise regimen.

In summary, swimming can be a valuable part of your recovery from frozen shoulder, but it should be approached with caution and under the guidance of your healthcare team. Focus on gentle movements, listen to your body, and prioritize communication with your therapists to ensure a safe and effective recovery process.

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