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PHYSIOPEDIA
Clinical case study (fictional, educational)

The masters swimmer with a painful arc

A 42-year-old masters swimmer doubled her weekly distance before a competition. Over three weeks she developed a dull ache on the side of her shoulder that turns sharp when lifting the arm sideways between shoulder and head height and when lying on that side. No fall, no clicking, no feeling of slipping; strength feels normal. Resting pain 2/10.
1. Which condition pattern fits best?
2. Which risk factor is most relevant?
3. With resting pain 2/10, where does she start?