Wrist Injury?

[vomer]

Sorry if this is repetitive. I have searched the forums and not seen this particular question.

Been rowing for a couple of years for fitness, only minimal competition experience. About 6 months ago, started having wrist pain. Pain is in the dorsum (back) of my wrist just proximal to the bases of my metacarpals, i.e. centered in the ulnar aspect of the carpus for all you medical pros out there. Held off rowing for several months, at least four. Pain decreased a lot, but did not completely resolve. Rowed one time last week for 5 minutes at a relaxed pace, and next day pain was back almost as bad as ever. Tried some powerlifting straps - they helped with the pain but the metal hooks kept sliding around.

Have some similar but much less intense pain in the other wrist. Kind of puzzled at developing it 18 months after starting rowing, thought my form was OK.


Is this a typical or common rowing injury?
Anyone have similar symptoms? If so, anyone tried a modified handle/straps?

Appreciate any feedback, very frustrated at not being able to erg.

[ericmillington]

Hi - I have a similiar problem which I can't seem to resolve. Plents of rest over weeks and months seems to help only for the pain to return with moderate exercise. Just wondering if anybody knows if there is an attachment where you can 'row' without gripping the bar? - perhaps some device that attaches to the forearm etc? I suspect not, but no harm in asking the question I suppose. Busy trying to make up something myself but not particularly hopeful........

[Rockin Roland]

Hi - I have a similiar problem which I can't seem to resolve. Plents of rest over weeks and months seems to help only for the pain to return with moderate exercise. Just wondering if anybody knows if there is an attachment where you can 'row' without gripping the bar? - perhaps some device that attaches to the forearm etc? I suspect not, but no harm in asking the question I suppose. Busy trying to make up something myself but not particularly hopeful........

Don't worry, it's not you. It's the erg. Stationary ergs are very hard on your body. Injuries are common. As the flywheel isn't moving with you there is a tendency for people to engage the upper body more during the stroke which increases the risk of injury. Lucky it was your wrist and not your back. People on this forum hate me for saying this but the stationary erg does more harm than good for your body.

Reduce the drag on the erg which will reduce the risk of injury.
Ideally you should go one step further and put some slides under it.

If you have the cash, get rid of it and get a dynamic erg. Your body will love you for it.

[Carl Watts]

An injury can result from many things like technique and overtraining or poor warmup before going out hard etc but the most common cause IMO is going to be the actual Drag Factor. It is not well understood at all an just wacking up the damper setting to max is a bad start for anyone. Also if you have sore wrists your gripping the handle to hard.

What is you current Drag Factor ?