The researchers asked athletes from the 2008 U.S. Olympic swimming team to complete standardized surveys on training history and shoulder function. Each athlete also underwent a physical examination.
Here’s what they found:
1. The majority, 66 percent, of athletes reported a history of shoulder pain.
2. Symptoms consistent with tendinosis were seen in biceps (72 percent) and supraspinatus/infraspinatus (96 percent).
3. Subacromial impingement was reported in 83 percent of shoulders; subcoracoid impingement was reported in 37 percent of shoulders.
4. Swimmers were more likely to experience biceps tendinosis if they were older or if they had missed a competition because of shoulder pain.
5. Swimmers were more likely to experience rotator cuff tendinosis if they reported worse scores for pain with activities or if they had a positive sulcus sign.
6. Swimmers were more likely to experience impingement if they reported a positive sulcus sign, worse pain scores or a partial rotator cuff tear.
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