Rowing and pain in the lower are

Question
My son Bram is 16 year old student and rows for his school. It has been a huge season with great success. They have the state championships in late September and are in full training. In the last week he has experienced intense pain in his lower arms on the outside muscle much, like a shin splint pain in the leg.  Can you help

regards

Andrea Chapman (Mum)

Answer
Hi Andrea: Generally, rest is the best remedy.  But I know that is probably not an option if he is in intense training.  I'd suggest he switch sides (i.e., move from port to starboard), but it sounds as if both forearms are effected.

I'm wondering what would cause that?  It's kind of rare.  Is he gripping the oar too tight or is he pulling with his arms locked in an odd angle.  Have his coach watch his arms through the stroke.

I think the best thing to do is either see a physical therapist or a doctor.  Rowing is hard enough, but rowing in pain is intolerable.

Good Luck/AP