Cronulla is famous for its waves, from mellow beach breaks for beginners to powerful reefs for seasoned surfers. But whether you’re dropping into your first green wave or carving along a clean wall, surfing is a physically demanding sport that can take its toll on your body.

At Southside Physiotherapy in Cronulla, we understand the unique demands surfing places on your muscles, joints and balance. Our local team, many of whom are surfers themselves, not only treat common surfing injuries but also work with you to improve performance, prevent recurrence and get you back in the water sooner.

Common Surfing Injuries We See

Surfing requires a combination of strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. This means injuries can affect multiple areas of the body. Some of the most common include:

• Shoulder injuries – including rotator cuff strains and shoulder impingement from repeated paddling.

• Lower back pain – often caused by the extended arching position while paddling.

• Neck pain and stiffness – from repetitive paddling motions and duck diving.

• Knee and ankle sprains – from awkward landings or wipeouts.

• Rib soreness – due to constant chest-down paddling position and board pressure.

How Physiotherapy Helps Surfers Recover

Our physiotherapists create tailored treatment plans that not only relieve pain but also help restore full function. Benefits of physiotherapy for surfers include:

• Faster recovery – reducing inflammation and restoring mobility after injury.

• Strength and stability – improving muscle support for paddling and manoeuvres.

• Injury prevention – addressing movement imbalances to reduce your risk of repeat injuries.

• Better flexibility – making it easier to pop up quickly and maintain balance on your board.

• Performance enhancement – refining technique and conditioning for more powerful, controlled surfing.

Surfset Training – Train for the Waves, Even on Land

One of the things that sets Southside Physiotherapy apart is our Surfset training equipment. This specialised fitness platform mimics the movements and instability of a surfboard, allowing you to:

• Build core strength for better balance on the board.

• Improve agility and reaction time for tricky manoeuvres.

• Strengthen paddling muscles without being in the water.

• Rehab safely after injury before returning to ocean conditions.

Surfset sessions can be part of your rehabilitation program or used for surf-specific fitness training.

Get Back in the Break Faster

If you’ve been sidelined by a surfing injury or want to improve your surf performance, Southside Physiotherapy can help. Our team has the experience, equipment and passion for keeping you fit, pain-free and ready for your next session.

Book an appointment today and let’s get you back on your board, feeling stronger than ever.Call Southside Physiotherapy on (02) 95274099 or book online.