The Prevalence and Management of Overuse Injuries Among Adolescent Swimmers in China

Abstract

Overuse injuries are a significant concern among adolescent swimmers, particularly in countries with growing competitive sports participation like China. This paper explores the prevalence, risk factors, and management of common overuse injuries such as swimmer’s shoulder, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), and lumbar spine stress injuries. Adolescent swimmers are highly susceptible to these conditions due to their intense training regimens and ongoing physical development. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through clinical assessments and imaging, along with athlete monitoring systems for tracking injury risk. Effective management strategies, including short-term interventions like rest and physical therapy, and long-term approaches such as education and psychological support, are discussed. Finally, preventive measures focusing on optimizing training loads, improving stroke techniques, and promoting recovery practices are highlighted to reduce the risk of injury and support sustainable athletic performance.