Surfing and body boarding place unique demands on the body — repetitive paddling, sudden twists, and impact forces can lead to neck, shoulder and low back pain, wrist and elbow strain, knee and hip discomfort, and plantar fasciitis.
Some examples of musculoskeletal injuries commonly experienced by surfers and board riders include:
Neck and Shoulder Tension: Paddling through waves and maintaining balance on the surfboard can cause tension and strain in the neck and shoulders. Surfers may experience stiffness, discomfort, or muscle imbalances in these areas.
Low Back Pain: The repetitive motion of paddling and the dynamic movements required for surfing can place strain on the muscles and joints of the lower back. Low back pain is a common complaint among surfers, especially those with poor posture or weak core muscles.
Wrist and Elbow Strain: The forceful gripping of the surfboard and the impact of waves can strain the wrists and elbows, leading to overuse injuries such as tendonitis or sprains.
Hip and Knee Strain: Surfing requires dynamic movements and stability in the lower body, which can strain the muscles and joints of the hips and knees. Surfers may experience discomfort, tightness, or instability in these areas, particularly after prolonged sessions in the water.
Plantar Fasciitis: Surfers who spend extended periods standing on their surfboards may develop plantar fasciitis, a condition characterised by inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia ligament of the foot.
Acupuncture for Surfers:
Surfers' may benefit from bodywork such as acupuncture or cupping therapy. Acupuncture (DIFFERENT TO Dry Needling) offers an evidence-backed way to support recovery and pain relief for these common complaints.
- Systematic reviews show that acupuncture can be effective for chronic pain conditions including neck, shoulder, low back and knee pain.
- Also with benefits that persist beyond treatment periods, and that it’s more than a placebo for pain relief in many cases.
Pain relief:
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve endings, muscles, and connective tissues. True acupuncture points communicate through nerve pathways to the spinal cord and brain, stimulating the release of the body's pain relieving chemicals, neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA, and other biochemicals involved in reducing pain and inflammation. This neural and biochemical response helps reduce pain intensity, ease muscle tension and support improved function after injury. Evidence Based Acupuncture.org
For surfers struggling with localised strain like wrist or elbow overload, acupuncture may help modulate the body's response to pain and improve local circulation around joints and soft tissue, supporting the body’s natural repair processes.
Plantar fasciitis, common after long beach walks or hard take-offs, also shows positive responses in clinical acupuncture evidence summaries, with treatments often focused on reducing tissue irritation and improving mechanical stress handling.
Cupping Therapy for Surfers:
Cupping therapy — popularised among elite athletes including Olympic competitors — involves placing suction cups on the skin to create negative pressure. This can increase blood flow to targeted areas, relax tight muscles, and may support tissue recovery after intense training or injury.
Chinese Cupping may be used to alleviate muscle soreness, improve range of motion, and facilitate recovery from surfing-related injuries, such as neck and shoulder strain or hip and knee strain.
While definitive scientific proof on performance enhancement is still limited, many athletes use cupping as part of a broader recovery plan, finding subjective benefits - it feels good!
Things to consider, when looking for professional help
Incorporating acupuncture and cupping into a surfers’ recovery routine can complement conventional care, offering a holistic approach to managing pain and supporting ongoing performance in the waves.
It's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced TCM practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual needs and injury severity.
Additionally, integrating these bodywork therapies with other modalities such as physical therapy, strength training, and proper surf technique - as provided by Surfer's Gym , Cromer - it can help support long-term musculoskeletal health for surfers.
I'm a registered and degree-qualified Acupuncturist based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and have over 20 years experience. If you would like to make an appointment, click here.
