Rowing and paddling: backs and ribs

Rowing and kayaking are demanding, largely non-impact sports with a distinctive injury profile. Both involve repeated trunk flexion under load, thousands of times per session, and both produce injuries that are uncommon elsewhere.

Low back

The rowing stroke loads the lumbar spine in flexion at the catch, under substantial force, repeatedly. Rowers with low back pain typically report a flexion-sensitive pattern, worse sitting and bending, and often worse on the ergometer than on the water. See low back pain.

Rib stress injuries

The distinctive rowing injury. Repeated loading through the serratus and intercostal muscles can produce a stress reaction in a rib, presenting as a localised, sharp pain in the side of the chest that hurts to press, to breathe deeply and to roll over in bed. These need real time off rowing and should not be pushed through — our upper back pain page covers rib joint presentations.

Ergometer volume

A large share of rowing back and rib injuries arise from erg work rather than water work, particularly through winter when volume goes up and technique degrades with fatigue.

Wrists and forearms

Feathering the oar loads the wrist extensors repeatedly, and forearm tendon irritation is common in higher-volume rowers.

When to get assessed

Rib pain that hurts to breathe deeply, back pain that persists between sessions rather than settling overnight, or any pain that has changed your stroke are all worth looking at early. Rowing injuries respond well to early load management and poorly to a mid-season push.

What a first appointment looks like

We start with what actually happened and what the demands of your sport are, then assess the injured area alongside the joints and muscles above and below it — because the painful structure is often not the limiting one. You get a diagnosis, a realistic timeframe, and a plan that accounts for your training and match schedule rather than assuming you can stop. If we think you need imaging or another practitioner, we will say so at that first visit rather than after six sessions.

Booking in

We are at 5/6-8 Langmore Lane, Berwick, with street parking directly outside and same-week appointments most weeks. Initial consultations are 60 minutes and $149, with private health rebates processed on the spot via HICAPS. No referral is required, and we also work with WorkCover, DVA and Medicare care plans where they apply.

Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.