Recovery from a shoulder injury is often complicated. A program to correct muscular imbalances is essential. In addition, technique adjustment is critical to prevent the injury from recurring.
The typical arm entry on butterfly and freestyle stresses the shoulder. Most swimmers complete the arm entry with the hand and elbow above the shoulder in the classic position that causes shoulder impingement.
Adjusting the arm entry requires maintaining a downward angle of the hand until the arm is straight. At the completion of an effective arm entry, the swimmer can see the hand as the deepest part of the arm. In addition to minimizing shoulder stress, the arm is in position to immediately begin generating propulsion.