How Can Surfers Benefit from Physiotherapy?
Surfing is one of the most beloved sports around the world. At the same time, it has one of the highest injury rates. Lacerations, for example, account for over 42 percent of all surfing injuries. Contusions, sprains, fractures, and concussions are common too.
The good news is that physiotherapy can help. Those who work in this field have the skills and expertise to teach you how to avoid injuries. If you’ve been injured, they can recommend exercises and stretches to restore your mobility and speed up healing.
What Makes Surfing So Dangerous?
Despite its health benefits, surfing is not that safe. In fact, it has an injury rate of 32 per 1,000 hours of activity. That’s less than skiing, rugby, football, and other sports, but it takes just one wrong move to get injured. The fins on the bottom of your surfboard, for instance, can hurt your feet during sudden movement, contributing to accidents.
Most injuries affect the shoulders, ankles, knees, and back. These are the muscles you’re using the most often while on the surfboard. That’s why it’s recommended to get in shape and warm up properly before jumping into the water. Preseason conditioning can go a long way toward injury prevention.
How Does Physiotherapy Help
Contrary to popular belief, physiotherapy isn’t just for those who’ve been injured. A skilled therapist will not only treat you but also recommend exercises and create workout plans that strengthen your muscles. He can also offer personalized advice to help you stay injury-free.
Surfers are particularly at risk for muscle sprains and strains, abrasions, cuts, and even spinal cord damage. Shoulder injuries are likely to occur as well. A physical therapist will use massage, joint mobilization, and specialized exercises to restore your range of motion following an injury. This way, you’ll be able to resume your activity before the season ends.
Ideally, choose a physiotherapist with experience in water sports injuries. He will know what muscles are involved in these activities and how to bring you in shape for your sport of choice. Physical therapists can also recommend stretching exercises, balance training, and core work so you can stay safe and perform at your best.
