Technique problems - knees knocking on recovery

[rowing92]

During a UT2 piece a couple of months ago, I noticed a pull in my right shoulder and finished the piece when I maybe shouldn’t have.
Since, this has developed into me struggling to hold the finish and extend my arms slowly and I’m noticing the handle jerks massively to the left as I straighten my arms and then moves back to the right again as I continue the recovery.
It’s meaning I’m unable to hold the finish and I massively rush it and the recovery because of how uncomfortable the finish position feels - I’m taking my thumbs completely off the handle at the finish which I don’t think is good practice at all. My knees have started to knock together as I go up the slide and I’m getting back pain from either opening up the torso too early or too late, although I don’t know which for sure.
All in all my technique has gone absolutely down the drain recently to the point where every erg is genuinely painful and I’m struggling to hold splits for 10 mins that are slower than what I could hold for 30 2 months ago.
I’m presuming this hasn’t all come from rowing with a niggle that I probably shouldn’t have and is part of a bigger technique problem. Has anyone got any advice? Feeling a bit out of my depth as my technique seems to have gone absolutely down the drain with no real reason why. Thanks!

[aussie nick]

During a UT2 piece a couple of months ago, I noticed a pull in my right shoulder and finished the piece when I maybe shouldn’t have.
Since, this has developed into me struggling to hold the finish and extend my arms slowly and I’m noticing the handle jerks massively to the left as I straighten my arms and then moves back to the right again as I continue the recovery.
It’s meaning I’m unable to hold the finish and I massively rush it and the recovery because of how uncomfortable the finish position feels - I’m taking my thumbs completely off the handle at the finish which I don’t think is good practice at all. My knees have started to knock together as I go up the slide and I’m getting back pain from either opening up the torso too early or too late, although I don’t know which for sure.
All in all my technique has gone absolutely down the drain recently to the point where every erg is genuinely painful and I’m struggling to hold splits for 10 mins that are slower than what I could hold for 30 2 months ago.
I’m presuming this hasn’t all come from rowing with a niggle that I probably shouldn’t have and is part of a bigger technique problem. Has anyone got any advice? Feeling a bit out of my depth as my technique seems to have gone absolutely down the drain with no real reason why. Thanks!

it sounds like you're in 'go to the physio' territory but it's worth filming yourself rowing for 20 seconds and posting it on here. Pretty hard to comment/add anything of value without seeing what your rowing stroke looks like

[Sakly]

Wanted to write the same as Nick.
Additional it could help to see not only the standard angle from the side. To see your problem a video from top front or at least diagonal angle could be needed.
But from your description I assume that you developed bad habits from your pull in the shoulder even if you don't have pain anymore.

Please let's see some video from your strokes to give advice.

[jamesg]

the handle jerks massively to the left as I straighten my arms and then moves back to the right again as I continue the recovery.

This doesn't sound like a problem caused by incorrect technique. Is it forced by pain, or something else? Either way looks well outside a forum scope.

[Dangerscouse]

The only thing I feel qualified to comment on is that your thumbs don't need to be on handle. Mine aren't used at all, and they only rest on the handle if they're not floating.

Definitely get some proper medical advice. Out of interest are your knees knocking together due to your arms forcing them inwards?

[btlifter]

the handle jerks massively to the left as I straighten my arms and then moves back to the right again as I continue the recovery.

This doesn't sound like a problem caused by incorrect technique. Is it forced by pain, or something else? Either way looks well outside a forum scope.

This^^^