Home // Healing from Common Surfing Injuries
In Southern California, the warm Pacific Ocean draws those who love the challenge and exhilaration of surfing. With numerous beaches known around the world as offering a range of appealing surf conditions for everyone from those just learning the sport to those competing professionally. While it may start out as a hobby, the thrill of catching a wave, skimming along the surface of the water in perfect balance as the power of the ocean propels your board, is an experience that avid surfers struggle to capture in words alone.
As a skilled sport that takes its participants out into the unpredictable ocean, surfing can also come with the risk of injury. The most obvious are those caused by accidents on the water—falling off and getting hit by the board, a reef, or a rock, for example. The demanding nature of surfing, however, which uses every part of the body, can also cause injuries due to overuse or repetitive motion. When this happens, you may find that gradually you’ve become too stiff and sore to enjoy the sport you love.
Understanding common surfing injuries and what causes them can help you know which aches and pains are the natural aftermath of a great workout and which may be the signs of a developing problem. Knowing how to address the root cause of symptoms can also help you support your body’s natural healing abilities so you can enjoy more carefree days in search of the perfect wave.
Surfing can be particularly hard on the muscles and joints. Some of the injuries seen most frequently are:
Back strains and sprains – Paddling in a prone position, as well as twisting motions, can put strain on the back (particularly the lower back).
Shoulder impingement – In surfers, the muscles used to paddle can become overdeveloped compared to the other muscles. This can cause the tendons to become swollen and inflamed, which can then get pinched between other structures in the shoulder.
Hip flexor strain – In surfing, the hip naturally rotates toward the back foot, which puts strain on the hip flexor tendon at the front of the pelvis. Pain when stretching the hip muscles and swelling or bruising at the front of the hip or thigh can be signs of this condition.
Ankle stiffness – Old or repeated ankle injuries can cause the ligaments and tendons of the ankle to get tighter, making it impossible to squat deeply into turns. This condition can potentially lead to torn tendons or tendonitis.
If pain or stiffness are keeping you from enjoying the activities you love, the time it takes to recover can feel like an eternity. Yes, healing takes time, but too often we’re not supporting the body’s natural ability to heal as well as we could. At the Natural Healing Center, we’re dedicated to providing services that support that ability to accelerate healing and promote overall wellness. To combat the inflammation and stiffness that are at the root of many common surfing injuries, we recommend:
BEMER PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) Therapy – This modality directly stimulates microcirculation to enhance the supply of nutrients and oxygen to tissues and ensure proper waste removal from cells. This reduces soreness, accelerates post-workout recovery, and improves blood flow.
EWOT (exercise with oxygen) Therapy – EWOT ) opens pre-capillary muscles and optimizes ATP production allowing for faster recovery by accelerating healing, decreasing inflammation and improving overall physical performance.
NovoTHOR (photobiodmodulation) Therapy -NovoTHOR® is a whole body light therapy device that uses red and near-infrared light to improve injuries, reduce pain, relax muscles/joints, and increase blood circulation. It reduces inflammation and promotes regeneration after injury.
The Superhuman Protocol – This combines three powerful modalities in an order optimized to derive the maximum benefit, taking healing to the next level. First, a PEMF session stimulates circulation. Then EWOT (exercise with oxygen therapy) opens pre-capillary muscles and boosts ATP production. Finally, PBM (photobiomodulation) uses red and near-infrared light to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The net effect is pain relief and faster recovery.
Nutrition Response Testing – Without the proper macro- and micronutrients, the body can’t function properly, much less heal. This noninvasive process identifies the underlying cause of painful symptoms and inflammation, allowing us to determine which nutrients your body needs to promote healing and overall well-being.
When you’re ready to start feeling your best so you can tackle the waves again, the Natural Healing Center can help. We’re here to keep your body and mind healthy so you can face all your favorite challenges with confidence. To schedule your free initial consultation, contact us here.
