Surfing Injury Treatment on the Gold Coast
Surfing places unique demands on the body. Long paddling sessions, explosive pop-ups and constant rotational movement can lead to overuse injuries in the shoulders, back and hips.
At Universal Health & Performance, we regularly treat surfers from Burleigh Heads and across the southern Gold Coast for a wide range of surfing-related injuries. As an osteopath and surfer himself, Nathan understands the physical demands of time spent in the water and the importance of getting back to surfing as quickly and safely as possible.
Our approach combines hands-on osteopathic treatment, dry needling, and targeted strength and mobility work to help reduce pain, restore movement and improve resilience for future surf sessions.
Common Surfing Injuries We Treat
Surfing injuries are often the result of repetitive paddling, spinal extension and rotational forces through the body.
Some of the most common surfing injuries we see include:
Surfer’s Shoulder
Long paddling sessions can place a large amount of stress through the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles. This can lead to shoulder impingement, rotator cuff irritation and pain when paddling or popping up.
Lower Back Pain
The extended paddling position can compress the lower back and place strain on the lumbar spine. Many surfers experience stiffness or pain after longer sessions, particularly if mobility or core control is limited.
Rib and Intercostal Strain
Rib injuries are common in surfers due to repeated pressure from lying on the board and rotational forces during paddling and manoeuvres.
Neck and Upper Back Tightness
Paddling with the head extended for long periods can create tension in the neck and upper back, often leading to headaches or persistent stiffness.
Hip and Pop-Up Related Pain
The explosive pop-up movement can stress the hips and lower back, particularly if there are underlying mobility or strength limitations.
Osteopathic Treatment for Surf Injuries
Osteopathy focuses on restoring movement and function to the body as a whole. When treating surfing injuries we look beyond the site of pain to identify the underlying movement restrictions or load issues that may be contributing to the problem.
Treatment may include:
hands-on osteopathic techniques
joint mobilisation and soft tissue treatment
dry needling
movement and mobility work
strength and rehabilitation exercises
This approach helps reduce pain while also improving the body’s ability to handle the physical demands of surfing.
Helping Surfers Stay in the Water
Surfing injuries often develop gradually from repetitive load rather than a single traumatic event. Addressing mobility, strength and movement patterns can make a significant difference to both recovery and injury prevention.
As part of treatment, we often guide surfers through simple exercises aimed at improving:
shoulder strength and stability for paddling
thoracic spine mobility for rotation
hip mobility for smoother pop-ups
core strength for spinal support in the water
The goal is not just to get you out of pain, but to help you surf comfortably and confidently long term.
Osteopath for Surfers in Burleigh Heads
Universal Health & Performance is located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and regularly works with surfers from Burleigh, Palm Beach, Miami and surrounding areas.
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, rib pain, back pain or another surfing-related injury, osteopathic treatment may help restore movement and get you back in the water.
FAQ – Surfing Injuries
Can osteopathy help surfing shoulder pain?
Yes. Osteopathic treatment can help address joint stiffness, muscle tension and movement restrictions that contribute to shoulder pain during paddling.
Should I stop surfing if I have back pain?
Not always. In many cases activity can be modified while addressing the underlying cause of the pain.
How long do surfing injuries take to recover?
Recovery depends on the injury, but many surfers notice improvement within a few sessions combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises.