Newbie – Rotator Cuff Shoulder Pain

[concept2laux]

I purchased a rowing machine in September for my 50th birthday, and love it. I tried to start out slow. However, I developed shoulder pain in the rotator cuff area of both shoulders. I found some rotator cuff injury rehabilitation exercises and have started those. The purpose is to strengthen my shoulders, which appear to be the weak link. I have not rowed for a few weeks.

I read a couple of forums. Maybe my form is using too much of my arm and shoulders, and not enough leg. Right before the pain started, I rowed a 2,000 and 1,000 meter for time. I probably was not ready yet for timed races…

Any suggestions? If anyone else experienced the same issue, what did you do so you could get back to rowing? Any good stretches or exercises for shoulders?

[weintraub]

Hi,

I am 58 and I had a similar problem a few years ago. I would do the exercises for a while with some improvement, but then would slack off and the pain would worsen. Once I did the standard rotator cuff strengthening and mobility exercises religiously, it took about three weeks for my pain to go completely away for good.

[heroesfitness]

I would use an exercise band or tube and do some rotator cuff strengthening exercises, which entails medial and lateral rotation movements, see a decent personal trainer and he or she will help you with this