Rowing with Osteoporosis

We received an enquiry from a Faster Masters Newsletter reader.

I'm a Masters rower who has just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. The general advice is that rowing/strength training etc are good if done correctly but I wondered if you had any rowing-specific advice or guidance around this? I'm thinking about all the other things that we do around rowing (boat lifting/carrying in particular), as well as the relative risks of sweep rowing versus sculling. Do you know of any guidelines?​ Thanks for any help or pointers you can provide.

Josh replied saying - this advice is very generic, I’m an orthopaedic surgeon. 

First answer, it depends… 

1. How was diagnosis made (i.e. proactive GP or after fracture)

2. How bad is the osteoporosis.

3. How old? Ie where on the curve of loss/maintenance.

4. Gender

Etc

But in general;

1. If their back’s ok, lifts and everything are fine. 

2. Sculling is generally kinder on body, but just alternate sweep positions (port to starbourd) if you’re enjoying it. 

3. Weight bearing exercises are key to bone maintenance and muscle mass, so add this to your program. 

4. Good shoes on ramps etc to avoid falls

5. Use your club mates. Ask for help with lifts etc if people are around, it’s the fun part of clubs. 

6. Talk to your specialist/GP. 

7. Work on technique and boat setup to protect your back. 

8. Talk to your team mates & coach, there will be others. 

Very generalised I know, but hard to give specifics, osteoporosis has a wide spectrum of impacts.