tennis elbow from rowing

[Dreadnought]

I recently had to cut back on my rowing because of a discomfort in my right elbow, which felt much like tennis elbow.

It's slowly getting better with rest, and I'm sure I'll be able to increase my rowing again. What can I do to prevent it from recurring?

I read on an older post that low rate training can cause it. Any thoughts?

[Flipper21]

I would say any RSI activity would cause tennis elbow (even although you don't play probably), I would suggest a visit to your GP for some NSAIDS and for your consideration, perhaps a little ice/heat treatment for a few days to see if it settles down.

If it remains then you might consider a cortisone injection at the site of the pain. However, injections like this don't always work but in saying that the vast majority do if applied correctly. Maybe a little rest for a few days to let the inflammation ease as well as some massage on the extensors to facilitate some healing to begin with.

Hope this helps.

ps. see thread under health & fitness.

http://www.c2forum.com/viewforum.php?f=4

[carlb]

I recently had to cut back on my rowing because of a discomfort in my right elbow, which felt much like tennis elbow.
It's slowly getting better with rest, and I'm sure I'll be able to increase my rowing again. What can I do to prevent it from recurring?
I read on an older post that low rate training can cause it. Any thoughts?

Here are 3 recent threads:
http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 2&p=175404
http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 8&p=175128
http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 5&p=168781

As I've suggested before. Google it. Follow the advice on stretching, strengthing, etc. Stop rowing for 1 to 3 months. I'd avoid drugs.

For me it was wrist action, wrists should stay fairly quiet and flat. Could be your grip.

[Bob S.]

Could be your grip.

Yes, there shouldn't be any - just hooked fingers - no thumb action.

Bob S.

[chgoss]

I had elbow pain for years, tried higher rate lower DF, didnt really work.

What really fixed it was to do forearm curls (front and reverse) religiously 4 days a week. In my case, strengthening the forearm was all it took.

[Ultramega OK]

Had the same problem last year... pretty bad. I had to stop rowing for months. I tried a whole bunch of stuff. The typical approach of rest, nsaids and that stupid tennis elbow brace they sell at drug stores is worthless. Get yourself a theraband flex bar and start doing the "tyler twist" with it on the affected side. Google that, there are youtube videos and everything. Takes about a week to notice improvement but it really works and it is about the only thing in the med literature that seems to work consistently. I also recommend gripping the C2 handle in the fingers without putting the thumb on the underside. Spring loading the handle like 1xsculler did on his c2 erg conversion is easy to do and may also help a little. Also consider the fact that the problem often lies outside of the painful area. Often it is caused by muscular imbalances in the shoulder putting torque on the humerus. Easy to see if you have issues here by standing relaxed with hands at the sides, palms should face the sides of your legs if they don't then your humerus is probably internally rotated (palms twisted a little more to the posterior). This puts those muscles under tension. There is a book called "Fixing you: Elbow Pain" that deals with this pretty well. Rubberband finger extensions may help correct some muscle imbalances too. Ironmind sells some nice ones for this that are worth having. Good luck!