Helping Newcastle swimmers train harder, recover faster, and stay pain-free

At Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy, we treat swimmers of all ages and levels — from junior squads and surf lifesavers to masters competitors and triathletes. Swimming is low-impact on the joints, but the high training volumes and repetitive movements put a big demand on the shoulders, spine, and knees. Our physio team understands the biomechanics of swimming and how to keep you moving through the water without pain.

Common Swimming Injuries We Treat​

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• Swimmer’s shoulder (rotator cuff tendinopathy/impingement)

• Labral tears and shoulder instability

• Low back pain and extension-related stiffness

• Neck pain linked to breathing mechanics

• Breaststroke knee (MCL strain, patellofemoral overload)

Why Swimming Injuries Happen
 

Swimming demands thousands of overhead movements each session, combined with strong trunk control and repetitive kicking.

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• Shoulder injuries stem from poor scapular control and high stroke volume.

• Back pain often develops from repeated spinal extension during freestyle, butterfly, or dolphin kicking.

• Breaststroke knee comes from the whip-kick’s lateral stresses.

• Neck pain may be linked to unilateral or poor breathing technique.

How We Assess Swimmers
 

Our swimmer assessments combine strength testing with stroke-related movement analysis.

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• VALD dynamometer: shoulder internal/external rotation at 90° abduction.

• ForceDecks: trunk and lower-limb strength testing for push-offs and starts.

• Scapular control testing for overhead endurance.

• Land-based swim technique screen: breathing, shoulder movement, and kick pattern review.

Treatment & Rehab for Swimming Injuries
 

Our rehab balances shoulder recovery with ongoing conditioning.

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• Manual therapy to ease pain and restore shoulder and spine mobility.

• Dryland strength work targeting rotator cuff, scapula, and core.

• Pool-based progressions to gradually rebuild stroke volume.

• Specific drills for starts, turns, and breathing technique.

Preventing Future Injuries & Building Performance
 

We prepare athletes not just to return to the pool, but to perform better than before.

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• Dryland conditioning programs for upper body endurance and core control.

• Mobility drills for shoulders, hips, and spine.

• VALD re-testing to track rotator cuff strength and endurance.

• Load management planning to reduce flare-ups during peak swim blocks.

Supporting Newcastle’s Swimming Community

From local swim clubs and surf lifesaving squads to triathletes racing Ironman Port Macquarie, we’re proud to support Newcastle’s aquatic athletes in chasing their goals.

Ready to Swim Stronger?

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Don’t let shoulder or back pain slow down your laps.
Book your swimming physio session today with Newcastle’s trusted swimming physio team.

Click here to read about Surfing injuries, or return to all sports here.