This powerful, low-impact resistance movement is more than just a gym staple; it’s a clinically endorsed tool for pain relief, posture correction, and upper body rehabilitation.
What Is the Seated Row?
Performed using a cable machine or resistance bands, this movement mimics the action of rowing and encourages proper spinal alignment and muscular balance.
Seated Row Helps Reduce Pain
Here’s why it’s a cornerstone and can reduce pain:
- Improves Posture
Poor posture is a leading cause of neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. The seated row strengthens postural muscles, helping you stand taller and move more efficiently. - Relieves Upper Back and Shoulder Tension
Activating the muscles that support the shoulder blades reduces tension and stiffness in the upper back, a common complaint among desk workers and athletes. - Supports Spinal Stability
A strong back is essential for spinal health. The seated row reinforces the muscles that stabilize the spine, reducing the risk of injury and chronic discomfort. - Enhances Rehabilitation Outcomes
For clients recovering from shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, or lumbar strain, the seated row is a safe and effective way to rebuild strength without aggravating symptoms.
Expert Guidance at PROHEALTH PHYSIO & FITNESS (EP)
Our Exercise Physiologists (EPs) and Physiotherapists tailor seated row routines to your unique needs. We assess your movement patterns, pain levels, and goals to ensure every rep contributes to your recovery and long term wellness.
Seated Row Can Reduce Pain – A poked forward chin and rounded shoulders are key postural factors that are indicative of weakness in the trapezius and rhomboid muscles.
The exercise of the month is a compound movement that helps strengthen the trapezius and rhomboid muscles, creating better posture and alleviating pain.
This magical exercise is known as the Seated Row. It can be performed at a gym with a cable machine, or at home with a TheraBand.
- Start the exercise in an upright seated position
- Grab the V-bar handles or TheraBand and straighten your back to an upright position with you head looking straight forward
- Pull the V-bar or TheraBand towards your stomach with your elbows back whilst pulling the shoulders down and back, squeezing your shoulder blades together
- Hold this end position for a second
- Repeat to complete 12-15 repetitions for 3 sets
Cable Seated Row

TheraBand Seated Row

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Source: www.healthline.com
Title: Seated Row: Muscles Used, Common Mistakes, Modifications
Read time: 5 mins