Rowing, also known as crew, is a sport that's growing in popularity - especially among collegiate-age young adults. It's an activity that involves the entire body, from your feet to your neck. Though rowing provides a great workout, it's also very straining on the joints in your body.

Athletes who have participated in rowing for several years may suffer from various joint aches. Here are some common rowing injuries:

Lower Back Pain - Low back pain is common in rowers. The muscles in the back are an important part of the strength behind each rowing stroke. However, the back can also become strained from the repetitive motion. Strength and flexibility training can help reduce your chances of hurting your back while rowing. Proper technique is also important. Check out our back braces to help alleviate back pain when rowing.

Wrist Pain - The wrist is susceptible to tendonitis when rowing because of the repetitive motion of a rowing stroke. Wearing wrist braces both when rowing and not rowing can help alleviate stress on your wrist and help with the pain.

Knee Pain - Patellofemoral pain (behind the kneecap) is also quite common in rowing. Much of the strength in each rowing stroke comes from the legs, which places stress on the knee. Rowers are also at risk for iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The iliotibial band glides along the outside of the kneecap while the knee is bent. This can result in inflammation. Wearing knee straps can help alleviate some of the irritation from these types of knee pain.

Combine wearing protective gear while you row with proper training and you may help avoid some of the pain associated with rowing!