Michael Phelps's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: Swimming
Michael Phelps's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Injuries | lower back | 2007-03-31 | Limited his ability to train at full capacity for several weeks. | Michael Phelps experienced significant lower back pain due to the intensive strain placed on his back muscles during a rigorous training session. This injury required him to modify his training regimen to avoid exacerbating the injury. | Occurred during a training session while performing an intense swim routine. | 4 weeks | Included physical therapy, rest, and modified training exercises to strengthen the back muscles. | Temporary setback but no long-term impact on his performance. | Frustration due to the interruption of his training schedule. | None in the same area. | Returned to full competition within 6 weeks. | Moderate | Physical therapy and rest. | Team physiotherapist and sports doctor. | No long-term impact reported. | Incorporated more back-strengthening exercises into his routine. | None, as the injury occurred during the off-season. | Sharp pain in the lower back. | Low, due to preventive measures taken. | Support from his coaching staff and medical team. | Team's training facility. |
| Shoulder Injuries | left shoulder | 2014-02-14 | Chronic pain and reduced range of motion in the left shoulder. | Phelps experienced a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, likely due to the repetitive strain from his swimming strokes. This chronic injury required ongoing management to allow him to continue competing. | Developed over time due to repetitive overhead movements during swimming. | Ongoing management required | Included rest, physical therapy, and specific exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility. | Chronic condition requiring ongoing management, but did not prevent him from competing at a high level. | Ongoing concern about managing the injury and maintaining peak performance. | None in the same area. | Continued to compete with managed symptoms. | Chronic | Physical therapy, rest, and strengthening exercises. | Team physiotherapist and sports medicine specialist. | Chronic condition requiring ongoing management. | Regular physical therapy and targeted strengthening exercises. | None, managed to compete through the injury. | Chronic pain and stiffness in the left shoulder. | Moderate, due to the nature of the injury. | Support from his medical team and coaching staff. | Team's training facility and medical center. |
| Wrist Injuries | right wrist | 2008-10-04 | Pain and limited mobility in the right wrist, affecting his ability to swim effectively. | Phelps sustained a wrist injury after slipping on a wet surface near the pool. The injury caused significant pain and swelling, leading to a temporary halt in his training. | Slipped and fell while getting out of the pool, landing awkwardly on his wrist. | 6 weeks | Included immobilization of the wrist, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and gradual reintroduction of swimming activities. | Minor impact, causing a brief interruption in training. | Concern about the potential impact on his performance. | None in the same area. | Returned to competition within 2 months. | Moderate | Immobilization, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. | Team doctor and physiotherapist. | No long-term impact reported. | Increased caution and improved safety measures around the pool area. | Missed a minor local competition. | Swelling and pain in the right wrist. | Low, due to preventive measures taken. | Support from his team and medical staff. | Team's medical facility. |
Michael Phelps's Sports Injuries Videos
Michael Phelps Reveals Darkest Moment
Olympic legend Michael Phelps talks with CNN's Coy Wire about his life after swimming.
Michael Phelps Uninjured After Two-Car Crash
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was not injured after his SUV collided with another car in Baltimore Thursday night. Phelps was driving with two passengers in his Cadillac Escalade when it crashed into a Honda Accord. The female driver of the Accord was shaken up and taken to the hospital as a precaution. The passengers in Phelps' SUV were not injured, and Phelps did not complain of any injuries. The police are investigating the incident, interviewing Phelps, witnesses, and passengers. Alcohol was not a factor. Phelps has had previous traffic issues, including an 18-month probation sentence for a DUI arrest in 2004. He recently won five gold medals and a silver at the World Swimming Championships in Rome earlier this month.
