Swimming and winging of scapula

[q8man]

I  had severe shoulder pain after a session of swimming a month ago.In spite of medicines I was suffering for two weeks,then pain subsided, but then I noted winging of my right scapula. I consulted an orthopedic doctor and a neurologist.After EMG study the neurologist says I have lesion of long thoracic nerve due to swimming.I am undergoing physiotherapy now. Winging of scapula is still present. Will it reduce gradually? Can it recur if I swim again?Kindly give me your advice
Thanking you

S A

[painkiller99]

Traumatic winging of the scapula can occur when there is sudden depression of the shoulder girdle secondary to a downward traction on the arm leading to compression of the long thoracic nerve.  In swimming, this can happen because the shoulder joint is a complex one with movements that can lead to impingement of one or more nerves leading to swimmer's shoulder or scapular winging.  Some people might not have experienced this because of many factors, including greater muscle strength and support, or less vigorous shoulder and arm movements.

[q8man]

Thanks for your comments. Can you please explain how this nerve damage occurs due to swimming. Why it doesn't happen to all.

SA

[painkiller99]

The reduction of scapular winging will be dependent on how well the physiotherapy rehabilitates the shoulder, especially the serratus anterior muscle, and how long the damage to the long thoracic nerve is reversed.  If you attempt to swim again without fully completing the rehabilitation of your shoulder, there is a possibility that damage to the nerve might recur.