BicepTendonitis from Rowing

[dgbarar]

Hello All:

I have been rowing since with my Row Erg since February and developed biceps tendonitis in both shoulders. I am being treated with by a physician who had given me cortisone injections in both shoulders. This physician has also requested that I get physical therapy. I have located a physical therapist who is also a rower. Physical therapy will last 4 weeks.

After physical therapy I am going to want to build up my shoulder muscles so this does not happen again. What exercises should I be peforming to improve my situation.

Don

[Sakly]

Hi, first of all you should ask your PT about this, especially when he is a rower himself.
Improve your technique on the rower, strength train to support your joints. Most likely the first point is the root cause.

[jamesg]

See: https://www.concept2.com/training/impro ... -technique

Muscle can be strengthened we hear, not tendons, we have to make sure they're not overloaded. So style is all in rowing, using legs, not the arms and shoulders, to do most of the work.

Maybe keep your Power down to 1 to 1.5W/kg at low training rates (18-24).

[Tsnor]

Also look hard at form. Most likely your form is good, however many rowers use arms too soon.

Arms fire AFTER you complete leg drive and most of hip/back swing. If you arms go too soon then your biceps will be fighting your legs and/or the momentum of your hip/back swing, and they will not win either battle.

As you complete your hip swing and start to use your arm. DON'T think "pull handle to chest". Instead think "PULL ELBOWS BACK". Your wrists stay flat, hanging on handle. Elbows slightly out from body.

It's surprising how much different "pull elbows back" feels, given it has the same outcome. Try it.

(if this form advice doesn't make sense say so. They are some great videos).

[JaapvanE]

Also look hard at form. Most likely your form is good, however many rowers use arms too soon.

Good advice, just one thing to add: don't deathgrip the handle as it creates a lot of strain in the upper body while accomplishing nothing. As Tsnor said, don't break the ellbows too soon, and keep the arms and hands relaxed.