Rehab to Row with Lauren Miller
Rehab to Row with Lauren Miller
Rehab to Row with Lauren Miller, check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube @rowingonthesquare
From Back Pain to Back on the Water
Returning to rowing after a serious back injury takes more than determination—it requires patience, trust, and a willingness to rebuild from the ground up. In Episode 25 of Rowing on the Square, Rebecca welcomes elite rower Lauren Miller, who shares her journey from a debilitating herniated disc to returning to high-performance rowing.
When a Minor Injury Became Something More
Lauren explains how what started as persistent hip and lower back tightness gradually progressed into an L4-L5 disc herniation. After months of physical therapy and conservative treatment, the injury worsened to the point where everyday activities became difficult. She discusses the emotional process of deciding to undergo a microdiscectomy and why surgery ultimately became the right choice.
The Long Road Through Rehabilitation
Recovery didn't happen overnight. Lauren walks listeners through each stage of rehab—from daily walks and physical therapy to cycling, rowing on the erg, and finally getting back on the water. She emphasizes the importance of following a gradual progression, celebrating small victories, and trusting the recovery process instead of rushing back to full training.
Lessons Every Rower Can Learn
Beyond the physical recovery, Lauren shares valuable insights about injury prevention, mobility, proper warm-ups, and learning to listen to your body before small issues become major setbacks. She also talks about balancing elite rowing with a full-time career and how support from teammates helped her stay motivated throughout rehab.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, trying to prevent one, or supporting a teammate through rehabilitation, Lauren's story offers practical advice and encouragement for every rower.