This paper examines how the mechanics of backstroke swimming contribute to shoulder dislocation, one of the most mobile and injury-prone joints in the human body. It describes the anatomy of the glenohumeral joint, explains how the power phase and recovery phase of the backstroke — particularly the hyperextended, cocked-arm position — can cause anteroinferior dislocation. The paper also outlines diagnostic approaches, non-surgical reduction techniques (including scapular manipulation, external rotation, and traction-counter traction), and post-reduction rehabilitation protocols involving immobilization and physical therapy.
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body, enabling flexible movements such as the backward propulsion required in backstroke swimming. However, this exceptional range of motion also makes the joint highly prone to injury. "Dislocations of the shoulder occur when the head of the [upper arm bone] humerus is forcibly removed from its socket in the glenoid fossa" (Wedro, 2012). Dislocated shoulders are usually associated with traumatic contact sports such as rugby. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and when its connective tissue is subjected to stress, it can tear and allow the humerus to pop out of its socket. The most common type of shoulder dislocation is an anterior dislocation, characterized by "forced extension, abduction, and external rotation" (Dlimi et al., 2012).
Repetitive stress injuries — such as those sustained through regular backstroke training — can contribute to the conditions for a dislocated shoulder. However, the experience of the dislocation itself is usually sudden. When a backstroke swimmer dislocates his or her shoulder, the onset may be described as follows: "He suddenly felt that his shoulders were going out of place and was unable to continue the race" (Dlimi et al., 2012). The race start is a particularly high-risk moment. "For the takeoff, the swimmer pushed his hands away from the block, swung his arms around sideways to the front, and threw his head to the back" (Dlimi et al., 2012).
The backstroke stroke itself "consists of two main parts: the power phase and the recovery." Dislocation typically occurs when the swimmer's arm is in the cocked position associated with hyperextension of the shoulders. "The force can be strong enough to rupture the anterior capsule and glenohumeral ligament complex, resulting in anteroinferior dislocation" (Dlimi et al., 2012).
"X-ray diagnosis and three reduction methods"
"Immobilization, physical therapy, and surgical considerations"
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