Rowing is a sport of precision, endurance, and pure grit, but it also comes with its fair share of injuries. From wrist tendinitis caused by repetitive oar movement to rib stress fractures from the relentless force of each stroke, rowers often push through pain in the pursuit of performance.
While traditional recovery methods like icing, stretching, and physical therapy help, an emerging therapy is making waves in the rowing world—Laser Acupuncture Therapy.
This needle-free approach combines the benefits of acupuncture with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. But how exactly does it work for rowers? Let’s dive in.
What is Laser Acupuncture Therapy?
Laser acupuncture is a modern take on traditional acupuncture, using an acupuncture probe instead of needles to stimulate acupuncture points.
This technique delivers low-intensity laser light into the skin, promoting cellular healing, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation—making it an excellent tool for athletes recovering from repetitive strain injuries.
Why should rowers consider it?
🔴 Speeds up recovery from wrist tendinitis – Reduces swelling and pain in overused forearm muscles.
🔴 Helps heal rib stress fractures faster – Increases bone cell regeneration.
🔴 Relieves chronic back tension – Targets deep muscle fatigue from repetitive rowing motion.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that laser acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved healing in musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in athletes.
Can Laser Acupuncture Help Rowers?
Q: What makes wrist tendinitis so common in rowers?
A: Every stroke requires a firm grip and wrist flexion, putting constant strain on the tendons. Over time, this causes inflammation, leading to tendinitis and pain.
Q: How does laser acupuncture help with wrist pain?
A: The laser stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation in key acupuncture points near the wrist. This promotes natural healing without needing anti-inflammatory medications (Source).
Q: Rib stress fractures sound serious. Can laser therapy actually help bones heal?
A: Yes! Laser acupuncture increases osteoblast activity, which helps in the formation of new bone cells. This speeds up recovery from stress fractures, especially when combined with rest and proper nutrition.
Q: I have chronic lower back tightness from rowing. Will this help?
A: Definitely! Rowers often experience lower back tension from repetitive flexion and extension. Laser acupuncture relaxes tight muscles, improves circulation, and reduces deep-seated inflammation—making recovery faster and more effective.
What Athletes Are Saying About Laser Therapy
Many athletes, not just rowers, are finding pain relief and recovery benefits from laser acupuncture therapy.
"I underwent surgery for a fractured tibia in my right leg on August 6, 2015. It was a compression fracture, so they put bone cement at the top of my knee and a large screw accompanied by five pins. Needless to say, the pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
My chiropractor recommended the Handy Pulse laser to me to assist me in the final stages of pain and healing. The price was affordable for me and I was eager to try it. I have been using it regularly since it arrived a few weeks ago.
Last week something happened and I was in a lot of pain, so I grabbed the laser and used it as indicated. The pain was gone within 24 hours and has not returned.
I am now experimenting with the laser on my big horse, who gets very stiff in his low back. I endorse this product 100%."
— Ellen K.
For rowers, regular use can prevent injuries from lingering and keep the body primed for training.
How to Use Laser Acupuncture Therapy for Rowing Injuries
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of laser acupuncture, the Handy Pulse Laser Acupuncture Probe is designed to precisely target acupuncture points for effective pain relief and muscle recovery.
Best areas to target for rowers:
✔️ Wrist tendinitis – Focus on acupuncture points along the wrist and forearm.
✔️ Rib stress fractures – Apply the laser to rib areas for deep tissue healing.
✔️ Lower back tension – Target lumbar spine points for pain relief and flexibility.
How often should you use it?
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5-10 minutes per area, once or twice daily
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Use post-workout or before bed to enhance recovery
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Combine with mobility exercises and proper nutrition for best results
Is Laser Acupuncture Therapy Worth It for Rowers?
If you’re dealing with persistent wrist pain, stress fractures, or back stiffness, laser acupuncture therapy could be the missing link in your recovery process.
💡 Non-invasive, drug-free pain relief
💡 Proven to accelerate musculoskeletal healing
💡 Targets key acupuncture points without needles
For competitive rowers, weekend warriors, or anyone who loves the sport, keeping your body pain-free and injury-resistant is essential.
👉 Want to get back to peak performance faster? Try the Handy Pulse Laser Acupuncture Probe and experience how laser acupuncture therapy can help you stay strong and keep rowing!
References:
Chauhan, A., & Sarin, P. (2006). Low Level Laser Therapy in Treatment of Stress Fractures Tibia: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Medical journal, Armed Forces India, 62(1), 27–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-1237(06)80148-6
