What is swimming screening?
Musculoskeletal screening for swimming is a series of tests conducted by a physio looking at body position, range of motion of joints and specific muscle strength. In high performance swimming, athletes undergo regular monitoring using these screening tests to ensure they can perform at their best. The tests we use in our swim screen are in line with swimming australia protocols, as well as other tests we have developed over the years.
Why do swimming screening?
There are a number of reasons why swim screening is helpful, including injury prevention and swim technique performance. Our screening includes a number of flexibility and strength tests that are relevant to the ability to perform the swim strokes effectively. For example, it is important to achieve side to side symmetry of shoulder strength for swimming- we can identify which side needs targeting. It is also very important to have adequate flexibility in the shoulders and upper back to get into a good streamline position- good flexibility in these areas is associated with faster swimming most likely due to improved underwater skills (1). Also, Helen's research has shown that changes in external rotation range of motion can be predictive of future shoulder injury in swimmers (2).
What happens after swim screening?
We provide you with a report that you can share with your coach and your strength and conditioning staff. The report will detail areas for improvement and we will also prescribe individualised exercises for you to work on. These exercises will usually include flexibility work for the upper body and shoulder rotator cuff strengthening.
Musculoskeletal screening for swimming is a series of tests conducted by a physio looking at body position, range of motion of joints and specific muscle strength. In high performance swimming, athletes undergo regular monitoring using these screening tests to ensure they can perform at their best. The tests we use in our swim screen are in line with swimming australia protocols, as well as other tests we have developed over the years.
Why do swimming screening?
There are a number of reasons why swim screening is helpful, including injury prevention and swim technique performance. Our screening includes a number of flexibility and strength tests that are relevant to the ability to perform the swim strokes effectively. For example, it is important to achieve side to side symmetry of shoulder strength for swimming- we can identify which side needs targeting. It is also very important to have adequate flexibility in the shoulders and upper back to get into a good streamline position- good flexibility in these areas is associated with faster swimming most likely due to improved underwater skills (1). Also, Helen's research has shown that changes in external rotation range of motion can be predictive of future shoulder injury in swimmers (2).
What happens after swim screening?
We provide you with a report that you can share with your coach and your strength and conditioning staff. The report will detail areas for improvement and we will also prescribe individualised exercises for you to work on. These exercises will usually include flexibility work for the upper body and shoulder rotator cuff strengthening.
