Most Common Surfing Injuries and How Osteopathy Can Help

Surfing is an exhilarating sport that combines balance, strength, and a deep connection with the ocean. But like any physically demanding activity, it comes with its share of injury risks. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting out, understanding common surfing injuries—and how osteopathy can aid in recovery and prevention—can keep you healthier and longer in the water.

Most Common Surfing Injuries

1. Shoulder Injuries

Paddling is one of the most repetitive movements in surfing, and it places significant strain on the shoulders. Rotator cuff strains, impingement syndromes, and bursitis are all common among surfers, especially when paddling technique or muscular balance is compromised.

2. Lower Back Pain

Hours spent arching the back while paddling or popping up can lead to lumbar spine strain and stiffness. Poor core strength and flexibility exacerbate the issue, leading to chronic discomfort or more serious spinal problems.

3. Knee Injuries

Surfing often demands sudden movements, twisting, and compression through the knees—especially when performing turns or aerials. Meniscus tears and ligament sprains are common, particularly in competitive or high-performance surfers.

4. Neck and Upper Back Tension

Holding the head up while paddling and the impact from wipeouts can place strain on the cervical spine and upper back. This often leads to tension headaches, nerve irritation, or postural imbalances.

5. Ankle Sprains and Foot Injuries

The instability of the surfboard and the dynamic nature of the waves can cause acute ankle sprains or chronic instability, particularly in reef or rocky surf breaks.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on the body’s structure and how it functions together as a whole. It can be especially beneficial for surfers by addressing not just symptoms but the underlying causes of injury.

1. Restoring Mobility

Osteopaths use techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and stretching to restore movement in stiff or injured areas. For example, improving thoracic spine mobility can significantly reduce compensatory strain in the shoulders and lower back.

2. Enhancing Muscle Balance and Posture

Osteopaths assess muscular imbalances that often contribute to injury, such as overactive hip flexors or underactive core muscles. They can provide targeted rehabilitation exercises to support a balanced and efficient surfing posture.

3. Promoting Recovery and Reducing Inflammation

Through gentle manual therapy, osteopathy helps reduce localised inflammation, ease muscle tension, and promote blood flow to injured tissues—speeding up recovery times.

4. Injury Prevention and Education

An osteopath can help surfers fine-tune their technique, provide ergonomic advice (such as proper paddling posture), and create personalised strength and mobility programs to prevent future injuries.