Injuries in Surfers and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Surfing is a great form of exercise that is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels and ages. It involves anything from cruising on a longboard to ripping on a shortboard while immersed in the beautiful sea.

Surfing has a variety of elements to it. Firstly, there is the muscular work involved – the upper body pulling to paddle, pushing to duckdive and to get yourself to your feet, the leg and trunk work to move yourself on the wave. Secondly, there is the balance and control to keep you on your feet while riding the wave.

Surfers are exposed to a unique set of challenges and risks, including wave impact, wipeouts, and repetitive movements that place strain on the body. From shoulder injuries to knee strains, surfing-related injuries can range from acute trauma to chronic overuse conditions.

While Surfing is an exhilarating sport, offering a unique connection with the sea and the thrill of riding waves. 

However, along with the excitement comes with risks of which can result in serious injuries, particularly to the spine and shoulders. 

Many surfers, both novice and experienced, have faced the daunting aftermath of a severe wipeout, leading to spinal or shoulder injuries that can be debilitating. 

Physiotherapy can help surfers identify potential issues before they become serious injuries. Physiotherapists can assess spinal mechanics, provide corrective exercises, and offer personalised advice on injury prevention.

Recovering from injuries from surfing wipeouts or overuse trauma can be daunting, but with the right approach, recovery and prevention are possible. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and effective solution for managing pain, restoring function, and preventing future injuries. 

By incorporating physiotherapy into their routine, surfers can enjoy their time on the waves with greater confidence and less risk of spinal injuries.

If you’re a surfer dealing with either acute or chronic injury  or looking to prevent injuries, consider contacting Turra Physio Therapy to seek professional physiotherapy advice. 

In this blog we will explore the types of spinal and then other common injuries caused by surfing wipeouts, and the dynamic nature of the sport, and how physiotherapy can play a crucial role in recovery and prevention.

Common Spinal Injuries from Surfing Wipeouts

Cervical Spine Injuries

The cervical spine, or neck region, is particularly vulnerable during surfing wipeouts. High-impact falls can lead to whiplash, fractures, or even dislocations. 

Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly impact a surfer's daily activities and performance.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

The thoracic spine, located in the upper and mid-back, can also suffer from the forces involved in a wipeout. 

Compression fractures and muscle strains are common in this region, leading to pain, limited mobility, and difficulty breathing deeply.

Lumbar Spine Injuries

The lower back, or lumbar spine, is another area frequently affected by surfing wipeouts. Herniated discs, sprains, and strains in the lumbar region can cause severe pain, sciatica, and reduced functional ability. 

Surfers with lumbar spine injuries often experience difficulty bending, lifting, and even walking.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Spinal Injuries

Pain Management

One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to manage pain effectively. Physiotherapists use various modalities such as manual therapy, manipulation, rehab and strengthening exercises and stretching to reduce pain and inflammation. 

For surfers with spinal injuries, these treatments can provide significant relief and improve their quality of life.

Restoring Mobility and Function

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring the mobility and function of the spine. 

Through targeted exercises and stretches, physiotherapists help surfers regain their range of motion and strength. This is crucial for performing everyday activities and returning to surfing.

Customised Treatment Plans

Every spinal injury is unique, and physiotherapists create customised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. 

These plans address the individual's injury, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Preventing Further Injury

Physiotherapy not only aids in recovery but also plays a vital role in preventing further injuries. By strengthening the muscles supporting the spine and improving posture and body mechanics, physiotherapists help surfers reduce the risk of re-injury.

Physiotherapy Techniques for Spinal Injuries

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilise joints, reduce muscle tension, and improve spinal alignment. Techniques such as spinal manipulations, mobilizations, and soft tissue massage are commonly used to treat spinal injuries in surfers.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are essential for supporting the spine and preventing future injuries. Physiotherapists guide surfers through exercises that target the core, back, and stabilising muscles. 

These exercises help build resilience and support for the spine during surfing activities.

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching exercises are vital for maintaining flexibility and reducing muscle tightness around the spine. 

Physiotherapists prescribe specific stretches to improve spinal mobility and prevent stiffness. 

Regular stretching routines can help surfers maintain optimal spinal health.

Core Stability Training

Core stability is crucial for protecting the spine during dynamic movements. Physiotherapists focus on exercises that strengthen the deep abdominal and back muscles, which provide essential support to the spine. 

Core stability training helps surfers maintain balance and control during surfing manoeuvres.

Postural Education

Good posture is essential for spinal health. Physiotherapists educate surfers on proper posture and body mechanics, both in and out of the water. 

By adopting correct postural habits, surfers can reduce the strain on their spine and prevent injuries.

Functional Training FOR SURFING

Functional training involves exercises that mimic the movements and demands of surfing. Physiotherapists design functional training programs to help surfers improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. 

These exercises enhance strength, coordination, and agility, essential for surfing.

Preventative Measures FOR SPINAL INJURIES FOR SURFING

Warm-up and Cool-down Routines

Incorporating proper warm-up and cool-down routines can significantly reduce the risk of spinal injuries. Dynamic stretching and mobility exercises prepare the spine for the demands of surfing, while cool-down routines with static stretches help relax the muscles and prevent stiffness.

Strength and Conditioning Programs

Regular strength and conditioning programs tailored to surfing can enhance spinal stability and endurance. These programs focus on core strengthening, flexibility, and overall fitness, helping surfers maintain a healthy spine and prevent injuries.

Proper Technique and Ergonomics

Learning and maintaining proper surfing techniques and ergonomics are crucial in preventing spinal injuries. Surfers should focus on using their core muscles, maintaining good posture, and avoiding excessive strain on the spine during paddling and manoeuvres.

Regular Physiotherapy Check-ups

Regular check-ups with a physiotherapist can help surfers identify potential issues before they become serious injuries. Physiotherapists can assess spinal mechanics, provide corrective exercises, and offer personalised advice on injury prevention.

Spinal and shoulder injuries from surfing wipeouts or repetitive nature if the sport can be daunting, but with the right approach, recovery and prevention are possible. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and effective solution for managing pain, restoring function, and preventing future injuries. 

By incorporating physiotherapy into their routine, surfers can enjoy their time on the waves with greater confidence and less risk of spinal injuries.

If you’re a surfer dealing with spinal or shoulder pain or looking to prevent injuries, consider seeking professional physiotherapy advice. 

Other Common Surfing Injuries:

Upper Limb

1. Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation:

The repetitive paddling motion and impact of wave manoeuvres can predispose surfers to shoulder dislocations or subluxations. Physiotherapy interventions focus on strengthening the shoulder muscles, improving stability, and addressing underlying biomechanical issues to reduce the risk of recurrence.

2. Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendinopathy:

Rotator cuff injuries are common among surfers due to the overhead nature of paddling and the strain placed on the shoulder joints. Physiotherapy treatment includes pain management, strengthening exercises, and biomechanical analysis to optimise shoulder mechanics and prevent further damage.

3. Shoulder Impingement:

Shoulder impingement syndrome, characterised by pain during overhead movements, is prevalent among swimmers. Physiotherapy interventions include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and biomechanical analysis to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Neck and Back

4. Neck Injuries:

High-velocity falls, impact with the surfboard or overuse of the neck muscles can result in neck injuries among surfers. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on pain relief, improving range of motion, and strengthening the neck muscles to promote stability and prevent further injury.

5. Lower Back Pain:

Surfing, especially paddling, requires repetitive and sustained hyperextension of the back which can lead to lower back strain and discomfort. Physiotherapy interventions focus on core strengthening, flexibility, and postural correction to alleviate pain and improve spinal stability.

Lower Limb

6. Acute Knee Injuries:

Knee injuries, such as ligament sprains or meniscal tears, can occur from sudden changes in direction or impact with the surfboard or ocean floor. Physiotherapy interventions include initial management of swelling and pain, followed by progressive rehabilitation to restore knee range, function, strength and stability.

8. Ankle Injuries:

The forceful impact of waves and the need for foot placement control expose surfers to ankle sprains, ligament injuries and chronic ankle instability. Physiotherapy interventions aim to reduce swelling, improve proprioception, and restore ankle stability through targeted exercises and rehabilitation protocols.

Concussion:

Concussions are a common injury associated with surfing and usually occurs during a wipeout from a blow to the head from the surfboard or from a collision with another surfer’s board. Whilst not a musculoskeletal injury, physiotherapists can help with activity modification, muscle and joint rehabilitation and the gradual introduction of exercise.

Conclusion:

Surfing injuries can be an inherent part of the sport, but with the right approach, they can be effectively managed and prevented. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process, offering tailored interventions to address specific injuries, optimise performance, and promote long-term musculoskeletal health. If you have a surfing injury, come see our team at Turra Physio Therapy for a personalised treatment plan to keep you on the waves.