"Arm straps have been used primarily in the management of tendinitis of the biceps and impingement of the rotator cuff muscles"

The upper arm strap serves a similar function to the forearm strap used with tennis elbow. The use of the upper arm strap has had an emerging role in the management of several types of shoulder problems in swimmers over the past 15 years. Arm straps have been used primarily in the management of tendinitis of the biceps and impingement of the rotator cuff muscles. More recently, they have also been used to improve exercise tolerance in some individuals with shoulder instabilities.

Although some teams have used arm straps in a preventative role over the years, this practice seems to be on the wane. More often, arm straps are used in the early stages of managing shoulder discomfort in swimmers. In minor problems, use of the strap may allow the swimmer to complete their workout without additional irritation.

The literature does not contain any controlled studies identifying the mechanisms by which the arm strap works. Instead, most of our experience is empirical. That is, it is based on the subjective comfort level associated with the use of the strap. We feel that the strap enhances the function of the upper arm muscles which cross the shoulder, contributing to improved control of the shoulder joint itself.

Our best experience is with neoprene straps (same material as divers' wetsuits) with swimmers. The straps come in regular and long lengths.

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