Newport’s surfing scene hums with energy. Locals chase dawn sets and trade tips on breaks. For many, surfing is part of who they are. This is why physiotherapy in Newport matters.
Newport Beach sits on the Northern Beaches and is well known for reliable surf at its north end. Local breaks test technique and tolerance. Surfing gives you freedom. It also brings injury risk.
This blog looks at three common surf injuries: shoulder impingement, lower back strains, and knee problems. It shows how a Newport physiotherapist can guide recovery. You can get back in the water in no time.
Understanding Why Surfers Get Injured
Surfing uses repetitive and forceful movements. This mix stresses the body. Paddling repeats the same shoulder and neck motion for long periods. Powerful, sudden moves — pop-ups and duck dives — demand quick strength and control. Wipeouts create abrupt impacts and twists.
These patterns add up. Even a minor wear can become a real problem. That’s why physiotherapy in Newport is essential. This is true especially for regular surfers who want to stay active. Now, let’s see what the three most common surfing injuries are.
Shoulder Impingements
Shoulder impingements happen when tendons in the rotator cuff rub under the acromion. Repetitive paddling inflames these tendons. Overhead arm positions add strain. You usually feel pain when paddling out or trying to catch a wave.
A Newport physiotherapist starts with a clear assessment of shoulder mobility and strength. They look for muscle imbalances and faulty movement patterns. Hands-on therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation. Targeted exercises rebuild rotator cuff stability. Posture coaching — both on land and in paddling drills — reduces repeat strain. They guide a graded return-to-surf plan so you don’t rush back too soon.
Prevention Tips
Warm your shoulders before heading out. Keep a short routine of stretches and activation drills. Cross-train with rows and external rotation work to balance the front and back of your shoulder.
Lower Back Strains
Lower back pain often comes from repeated extension and poor core support. Pop-ups can force hyperextension. Duck dives and long paddling sessions add load while you lie prone on the board. If the core is weak, the back picks up the slack. Over time, this leads to strain and tightness.
A Newport physiotherapist will assess spinal mobility and look at movement patterns. They’ll build a core program that’s functional and surf-specific. Manual techniques ease tight muscles. Then they’ll retrain movement — safe pop-up mechanics, better hip drive, and breathing strategies to reduce spinal load.
Prevention Tips
Do planks and bird-dogs for stability. Stretch hip flexors to reduce lumbar strain. Practice a controlled pop-up on land, emphasising hip power over back arching. Keep a short back-strengthening routine between sessions.
Knee Issues
Knee pain shows up in different ways for surfers. Twisting on a turn can stress the MCL or ACL. Repeated knee bending may cause patellofemoral pain. Board contact or falling can cause impact injuries.
Physiotherapy in Newport offers a full knee screen. The physiotherapists test strength, joint control, and movement quality. Rehab focuses on quads, hamstrings, and glutes to stabilise the knee.
Proprioception and balance drills teach the joints to react faster. Taping or bracing can help during the return-to-surf phase. Programs use progressive loading so your knee tolerates real surf forces.
Prevention Tips
Build leg strength with squats and lunges. Work ankle mobility to improve landings and land-based balance. Use balance board training for surf-specific stability. Ensure your wetsuit and gear don’t restrict your natural movement.
The Physiotherapy Newport Advantage for Local Surfers
A Newport physiotherapist brings more than technical skills. They know the local surf. They understand which breaks favour which moves and when conditions increase risk. That insight shapes realistic rehab plans.
Back to Health Physio sits near Newport Beach and lists services such as physiotherapy, dry needling, and specialised treatments like SCENAR therapy. This mix helps with both acute and stubborn issues. Local access means you can get help quickly and keep rehab aligned with your surf calendar.
Other advantages for Newport surfers include:
- Clinics that tailor plans to your goals – They won’t just fix pain. They prepare you to surf again.
- Therapists familiar with surfing biomechanics – Test paddling posture and pop-up technique.
- Fast intervention that prevents a small issue from becoming chronic.
- Community knowledge — Treating fellow surfers means practical, realistic advice.
Get Back to Newport’s Waves with Professional Physiotherapy
Surfing injuries don’t have to keep you off the waves. Smart assessment, focused rehab, and surf-specific training speed recovery. A Newport physiotherapist can correct the movement faults that caused the injury. They’ll give you a clear plan and practical exercises.
If the problem’s more complex, they use hands-on care and targeted modalities to reduce pain fast. Physiotherapy in Newport offers local surfers care that fits life by the beach.
If you’re dealing with a surfing injury, contact Back to Health Physio in Newport today. Our experienced team understands surfers’ needs and will create a personalised recovery plan to get you back on your board safely.