Preventing Injury in Competitive Canoeists

In brief: Competitive canoeists and kayakers often suffer from injuries to the wrist, forearm, shoulder, and lower back. The author discusses the types of injuries that occur and suggests ways to prevent and treat them. Modifying stroke technique and strengthening and stretching specific problem areas can help prevent injury. Treatment modalities include rest or modified training; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; ice for acute injury; and heat, ultrasound, and massage before training, followed by ice for subacute or chronic injuries. The physician and the athlete can fashion a training program for the injury prone paddler that prevents injury without diluting the quality of overall training.