What To Know
- Tight muscles in the forearm and wrist can make it more difficult to row with proper form, which can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- If you have a history of tennis elbow, you are more likely to develop it again, especially if you continue to row without taking steps to prevent it.
- Rowing can be a great form of exercise, but it is important to be aware that it can also aggravate tennis elbow if it is not done properly.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, which can occur during activities such as playing tennis, rowing, and weightlifting.
Rowing is a great form of exercise that can provide many benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and reduced stress. However, it is important to be aware that rowing can also aggravate tennis elbow if it is not done properly.
How Does Rowing Aggravate Tennis Elbow?
Rowing involves repetitive motions that can put stress on the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. This stress can cause inflammation and pain, which are the hallmark symptoms of tennis elbow.
The following factors can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow from rowing:
- Poor rowing technique: Rowing with improper form can put excessive stress on the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow.
- Overtraining: Rowing too often or for too long can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- Lack of flexibility: Tight muscles in the forearm and wrist can make it more difficult to row with proper form, which can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- Previous injury: If you have a history of tennis elbow, you are more likely to develop it again, especially if you continue to row without taking steps to prevent it.
How to Prevent Tennis Elbow from Rowing
There are a number of things you can do to prevent tennis elbow from rowing, including:
- Use proper rowing technique: Make sure to row with your back straight, your core engaged, and your arms extended. Avoid rowing with your elbows bent or your wrists flexed.
- Warm up before rowing: Warming up the muscles in your forearm and wrist can help to prevent them from becoming tight and injured.
- Stretch after rowing: Stretching the muscles in your forearm and wrist can help to reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- Take breaks: If you are rowing for long periods of time, take breaks throughout your workout to give your muscles a chance to rest.
- Use a rowing machine with a padded handle: A padded handle can help to reduce the amount of stress on your tendons.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow from Rowing
If you develop tennis elbow from rowing, there are a number of things you can do to treat it, including:
- Rest: Resting the injured elbow is the most important thing you can do to treat tennis elbow. Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the injured elbow can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Compression: Wearing a compression bandage around the injured elbow can help to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating the injured elbow above your heart can help to reduce swelling.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in your forearm and wrist, and to improve your rowing technique.
When to See a Doctor
If your tennis elbow does not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend surgery if other treatments have not been successful.
Final Note: Rowing and Tennis Elbow
Rowing can be a great form of exercise, but it is important to be aware that it can also aggravate tennis elbow if it is not done properly. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow from rowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still row if I have tennis elbow?
A: Yes, you can still row if you have tennis elbow, but you need to be careful to avoid aggravating your pain. Make sure to use proper rowing technique, warm up before rowing, stretch after rowing, and take breaks throughout your workout. You may also want to use a rowing machine with a padded handle.
Q: How long does it take for tennis elbow to heal from rowing?
A: The time it takes for tennis elbow to heal from rowing varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may heal within a few weeks, while more severe cases may take several months or even years to heal.
Q: What are the long-term effects of tennis elbow from rowing?
A: If tennis elbow from rowing is not treated properly, it can lead to chronic pain and disability. In some cases, it may even require surgery.
