Rowing Injuries


Recover from your rowing injuries safer and stronger with the team at Restore Physiotherapy.

Comprehensive injury management for rowers 

Rowing injuries can stop you from doing what you love. As rowers who have experienced injuries from our school and club days, we understand the importance of having a trusted team that can guide you on the best way forward.

Whether you’re competing expertly or rowing for leisure, Restore Physiotherapy can customise a strengthening and rehabilitation plan that helps you get back on the water quicker. Our team works closely with rowers and their coaches to build their strength, as well as conditioning trainers to monitor technique changes. With our return-to-rowing programs, we’ll help you meet your rehabilitation goals.

Rowers

We treat the following rowing injuries 

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Lumbar disc injuries

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Neck and shoulder pain

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Rib stress fractures and bone bruising

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Repetitive wrist and elbow tendinopathy pain

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Knee and patellofemoral joint pain

Your journey at Restore Physiotherapy: Example of
returning to rowing after a lumbar disc injury 


Rowing

Scenario

An 18-year-old rower sustained an injury to her lower-back spinal disc during her first race back after an off-season period. The sudden return to high-intensity competition without adequate preparation resulted in lower back pain, which significantly impacted her ability to train and compete. 

Solution

We began treatment by reducing her training load and starting various physiotherapy treatments, including facet joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage to the paraspinal muscles, and trigger point therapy for the hips. 

Once her acute symptoms settled, we implemented a structured rehabilitation program targeting core and lumbar extensor strength. She also attended weekly one-on-one clinical pilates sessions to build control and resilience in her back. We monitored her progress to gauge her readiness for returning to the boat.

By closely collaborating with her strength and conditioning coach, we continuously modified her therapy and refined her rowing technique.

Results

With consistent treatment, cross-disciplinary coordination, and a tailored rehab plan, she made a complete recovery. Not only did she return to rowing pain-free, but she went on to place second in her division at the prestigious Head of the School Girls regatta. 

Book an appointment 

Better mobility starts here. Book an appointment online or contact Restore Physiotherapy to speak to our care team.

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Frequently asked questions

Lower Back: We assess posture and gait, evaluate spinal mobility, and test core activation and strength. We may also use treatments such as spinal mobilisations, soft tissue massage, postural and technique adjustments, as well as targeted core and strengthening programs.

Shoulder: We assess posture, scapular positioning, range of motion, strength, and perform relevant special tests. Our treatments include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, pain management strategies, strapping if needed, and education on technique and load modification.

Rib Stress Injuries: These are assessed through palpation, breathing pattern and rib excursion testing, thoracic mobility checks, and, where necessary, imaging (i.e. X-ray). We then treat using activity modifications, pain relief strategies, manual therapy to the surrounding areas, and strapping for support if required.

We first start by identifying the client’s postural asymmetries and technical flaws through movement analysis, including on and off-water techniques where possible. Our team then develops targeted strengthening programs to correct imbalances and build core control. 

Manual therapy and stretching are used to relieve overloaded structures. Plus, we reduce training loads while the client builds resilience and better movement patterns. 

Strength and mobility go hand in hand. Better mobility enables athletes to move efficiently through a full range of motion, while strength provides control and stability at the end ranges of their joints. Together, they optimise stroke mechanics, reduce the risk of overuse injuries, and improve overall performance and resilience on the water. 

Technique should always take priority over how much you train, especially early in the season. Training loads should also increase gradually to allow your body to adapt. Meanwhile, strength and conditioning work should continue during the off-season to maintain your fitness.