Good reasoning Grover - thats the kind of thinking that'll help avoid MSDs.
Rowing has issues like you state for sure. I know this, because when I first started rehab, I announced to Dee that I was joining the rowing club (Celtic longboats - offshore. I think they were used for lifeboats). I was promptly informed that, if I wasn't allowed to row both sides, it would make matters worse for me. Now, I heard club members can be quite possesive of their slot - so I didn't join. But obviously Dee's opinion is taken seriously round here, because we had dinner with a club member recently, and she stated that it is now policy that no-one is allowed to stay on one side of the boat, they must routinely trade places. Come race day, they can go to their favoured side, and if there is a no show, the position can be filled.
I don't know if Steve Redgrave has MSDs or not. I doubt it, as professional sports persons generally hire coaches like Dee; he would have raced his strengths and trained his weaknesses. But not all pros or coaches are so focused - they still get results, but there could be consequences; such an approach is high risk if the goal isn't achieved - how will they fund rehab?
Notice that a rowing machine is actually set for a straight pull. Also, after a work out, I expect he would have done training work to balance the opposite set of muscles; Ever noticed how he and our other superhero rowers are enormous guys? I expect that is because the back muscles are so powerful, the chest and abs have to match that power - equal and opposite forces and all that.
The next consideration, is that pro rowers don't spend all day everyday in the boat - they have periodic lay-offs and balanced training programmes building toward a comp.
In comparison, pro tree climbers are grinding their bodies all day everyday, with little to no compensation training. Thats why its so important to watch our technique, to avoid negative proprioception and the consequences.
I think I should also note, that MSDs are not something that are generally noticed as significant. Even by GPs if they don't understand what you do. They tend to surface as niggles and stiffness, tingling and subtle aches, offset posture; all things a big tough guy can shrug off easily and get on with the job.
I've worked with quite a few marines over the years; I can't think of one that didn't have serious knee and back pain by the time they retired. But at least they have a pension.
The government won't be looking after me the same way when I'm 50.
Anyway - this is highjacking a thread on access.
