Surfing Injury Specialist
Can Surfing Injuries Be Treated With Physiotherapy in Gymea & Cronulla?
Absolutely. Whether you’re catching waves at Cronulla or paddling on a stand-up paddleboard out at sunrise in Gymea Bay, surfing can take a serious toll on your body. From shoulder strain to back stiffness, surfing demands strength, balance and flexibility. When any of those get compromised, injuries can develop.
That’s where we comes in. We help surfers recover quickly, reduce flare-ups and get back in the water feeling strong.
Common Surfing Injuries (and How to Spot Them Early)
We see various surfing injuries, and most have one thing in common. They start small but can escalate fast if ignored.
- Shoulder impingement from repetitive paddling
- Lower back tightness or disc strain
- Neck stiffness and headaches
- Knee sprains, often during pop-ups or wipeouts
- Ankle instability
- Wrist and hand sprains, especially with longboarders or beginners
Pro Tip: If it lingers longer than three days or hurts when you’re not surfing, it’s time to book a physio session.
Why Surfing Puts Unique Stress on the Body
Surfing isn’t just a sport. It’s a full-body, multi-directional workout with no real breaks.
| Movement | Muscles Involved | Risk Area |
|---|---|---|
| Paddling | Rotator cuff, lats | Shoulders, neck |
| Duck-diving | Core, quads | Lower back, wrists |
| Pop-up | Chest, arms, hip flexors | Knees, elbows |
| Riding | Glutes, calves, spine | Ankles, back |
Constant tension, twisting and hard landings can create overuse injuries without proper recovery or support.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore After a Surf
We get it. Surfers are tough. But if you’re pushing through these symptoms, you may be doing more harm than good.
- Sharp or burning shoulder pain when paddling
- Stiffness lasting more than a day after surfing
- Pins and needles in your fingers or toes
- Catching or locking knees
- Clicking or grinding joints
- A surf session that leaves you feeling wrecked
How Our Gymea and Cronulla Physios Help Local Surfers Recover Faster
We don’t just treat injuries. We understand surfing and build every treatment plan to get you back in the water stronger than before.
- We’re locals. We know the swells, tides and routines in Cronulla
- We specialise in sports physiotherapy with real surf experience
- We create evidence-based plans tailored to each injury
- We track your progress and set clear return-to-surf milestones
Hands-On Treatment Techniques for Surfers
Our hands-on care helps you restore movement, reduce pain and build strength where it matters most.
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Dry needling for tight shoulders or calves
- Soft tissue release and massage
- Kinesiology taping
- Surf-specific rehab exercises
We focus on range of motion, strength and reaction time so you’re prepared for every session.
Injury Prevention for Surfers
If you want fewer injuries, prevention is key. We help you avoid setbacks before they start.
- Rotator cuff and shoulder strength programs
- Core stability and balance drills
- Post-surf recovery routines
- Surf-skate and dynamic movement training
- Education around technique, warm-up and wave selection
Think of it like waxing your board. It’s just smart maintenance.
Customised Rehab for Beginners and Experienced Surfers
Surfers come with different skill levels and so do their injuries. Our rehab plans are built accordingly.
Beginners often need support with:
- Paddle endurance
- Correcting posture and movement patterns
- Managing overload from new routines
Experienced surfers benefit from:
- Mobility and flexibility improvements
- Chronic injury management
- Performance tuning for competitive surf
- Balancing training and recovery
When Can I Get Back on the Board?
This is the question every surfer asks. The answer depends on your injury and your rehab consistency.
We give you a clear recovery roadmap so you know exactly where you stand and when you’re surf-ready again.
At each session you’ll know:
- What you can safely do now
- What needs attention
- When you’re expected to return to full surf load
Most surfers return in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Book a Local Surf Physio in Gymea or Cronulla
Recovering from injury? Prepping for a surf trip? Want to surf better and longer? Our Gymea and Cronulla physios can help—book your assessment today.
We’ve supported hundreds of surfers across The Sutherland Shire to move better, feel stronger and stay injury-free.
Call (02) 9544 4884 or book online today and get back in the water with confidence.