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Low Back Pain in Swimmers

Low back pain is a common issue that can sideline even the most dedicated swimmers. Whether you’re grinding through long training sessions or perfecting your stroke technique, your lower back takes on a lot of repetitive stress—especially in butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke, where excessive arching of the lumbar spine is often part of the movement pattern.

So what’s really causing that discomfort?

Common Contributors to Low Back Pain in Swimmers:

  • Excessive Lumbar Extension: The constant arching during stroke cycles—especially during dolphin kicks or breaststroke pullouts—can overload the small joints and muscles in the lower back.
  • Weak Core Muscles: If your core isn’t strong enough to support proper alignment and control your trunk, your lower back ends up compensating.
  • Poor Shoulder Mobility: Tight or restricted shoulders can alter body mechanics, forcing your spine to move more than it should.
  • Overuse & Repetition: High training volume without proper recovery can wear down the spine and surrounding muscles over time.

At Rehab 2 Perform, we take a proactive and personalized approach to treating and preventing low back pain in swimmers. Our team focuses on:

  • Building a strong, stable core to support your spine in and out of the pool
  • Improving hip and thoracic mobility to reduce unnecessary strain on the lumbar spine
  • Teaching stroke-specific movement mechanics to correct posture and technique issues that lead to overuse

Awareness is key—if you’re starting to feel tightness, stiffness, or dull aches in your low back, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. Early intervention can help prevent serious injury and keep you training at your best. Schedule a Complimentary consultation today Get Started HERE

About Rehab 2 Perform

Rehab 2 Perform is a leading physical therapy and sports rehabilitation company dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal performance in their daily lives, whether they are athletes, weekend warriors, or individuals recovering from injury. With a team of highly skilled professionals across 11 state-of-the-art locations (soon to be 12), Rehab 2 Perform offers a personalized, evidence-based approach that emphasizes active rehabilitation and functional fitness. Find a Location near you, or Schedule Here.

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