In 40 seconds
Rowing produces high incidence of low back issues and rib stress fractures. The combined trunk flexion-rotation under load + repetitive volume hits both. PEMF therapy supports bone healing (ribs) and soft tissue recovery (low back). Used at international rowing programmes.
Quick facts
- Common injuries: Low back muscle/disc, rib stress fractures
- FDA-cleared: Bone fracture healing — directly relevant to rib SF
- Sessions: 3× per week through recovery
- Used at: Elite rowing programmes globally
Why this injury happens in this sport
The rowing stroke produces 3–5× bodyweight loading at the hip and lumbar spine. Catch position is biomechanically demanding. Rib stress fractures come from serratus and external oblique loading.
Recovery and return to sport
Erg / on-water cessation during recovery. Cycling and gym maintain conditioning. PEMF 3× per week. Imaging confirms healing before return.
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Why are rib stress fractures so common in rowing?
Repeated rib loading from serratus and external oblique action. Underweight athletes and high training volume multiply the risk.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.