Rowing Injuries: Prevention & Treatment 

Rowing injuries are often caused by overuse due to the sport’s repetitive and high-intensity nature. While rowing is considered low-impact, common issues like rib pain, lower back pain, knee injuries, and rower’s wrist can develop without proper technique and recovery. At Vondelfysio in Amsterdam, we provide expert physiotherapy to treat and prevent rowing-related injuries, helping you stay strong and pain-free on the water.

 

AFSPRAAK MAKEN

CAUSES OF ROWING INJURIES

Rowing can lead to various injuries and complaints, primarily due to the repetitive and intense strain on muscles and joints. Most rowing injuries are overuse injuries, often caused by poor technique, insufficient strength or mobility, and a rapid increase in training intensity. The most common complaints among rowers include:

  • Rib pain (Rib Stress Syndrome)
  • Lower back pain
  • Hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder injuries
    • Rower’s Wrist (Intersection Syndrome) – Inflammation of the tendons in the forearm, often caused by the rotational movement of the oar. This results in pain and swelling on the thumb side of the wrist and forearm.
  • Knee pain
  • Hip and glute pain
  • Neck and upper back pain

Our specialist:

Timen Hartog

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Rowing injuries at a glance

RIB PAIN

One of the most common injuries among intensive rowers is overuse of the muscles and connective tissues around the ribs. This can cause pain in the ribcage, which worsens with breathing, bending, or cycling. Early recognition and temporary adjustments to training intensity can help prevent further issues.

LOWER BACK PAIN

Rowing places constant strain on the back muscles. Beginners need time to adapt to this load, and progressing too quickly increases the risk of injury. Since rowing is a highly repetitive and low-variation movement, it can lead to stiffness and overuse injuries. Psychosocial factors such as stress and tension can also worsen back pain. Gradual training progression and compensatory exercises are key to prevention.

HAND, WRIST, ARM & SHOULDER PAIN

Rowing puts significant strain on the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. The constant grip on the oar and pulling force during the stroke can lead to overuse injuries. Pain in the wrist or forearm during the feathering motionis a common issue. Correct technique, strength training, and mobility exercises can help prevent and reduce these complaints.

KNEE PAIN

Rowers repeatedly bend their knees through a full range of motion, which places significant stress on the joint. This can lead to pain around the kneecap, which may also be noticeable during everyday activities such as climbing stairs. Improving technique, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and allowing adequate recovery can help prevent knee injuries.

RIB PAIN

One of the most common injuries among intensive rowers is overuse of the muscles and connective tissues around the ribs. This can cause pain in the ribcage, which worsens with breathing, bending, or cycling. Early recognition and temporary adjustments to training intensity can help prevent further issues.

LOWER BACK PAIN

Rowing places constant strain on the back muscles. Beginners need time to adapt to this load, and progressing too quickly increases the risk of injury. Since rowing is a highly repetitive and low-variation movement, it can lead to stiffness and overuse injuries. Psychosocial factors such as stress and tension can also worsen back pain. Gradual training progression and compensatory exercises are key to prevention.

HAND, WRIST, ARM & SHOULDER PAIN

Rowing puts significant strain on the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. The constant grip on the oar and pulling force during the stroke can lead to overuse injuries. Pain in the wrist or forearm during the feathering motionis a common issue. Correct technique, strength training, and mobility exercises can help prevent and reduce these complaints.

KNEE PAIN

Rowers repeatedly bend their knees through a full range of motion, which places significant stress on the joint. This can lead to pain around the kneecap, which may also be noticeable during everyday activities such as climbing stairs. Improving technique, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and allowing adequate recovery can help prevent knee injuries.