Taking Care of the Special Needs of Swimmers
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.
We've recently initiated several
research projects to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which the strap leads to improved exercise tolerance and enhanced
swim training with injured swimmers.
The Upper Arm Strap
Recently, we've been using upper arm straps increasingly in the management of shoulder instabilities in swimmers. Most of our swimmers
notice improved tolerance of strengthening exercises, as well as better tolerance of stroking. Both lead to an enhancement of our
therapeutic goals, and we feel the strap is a great "cheat" to allow us to get more out of the injured shoulder while we work
to fix the fundamental problems leading to shoulder pain. 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.
For sizing and purchasing information, contact:
J&S Medical Specialties
4645 Belpar Street NW
Canton, OH 44718
330-493-4210
"Arm straps have been used primarily in the management of tendinitis of the biceps and impingement of the rotator cuff muscles"
