Surfers Physical Therapy San Clemente

Surfing is more than a sport in San Clemente – it’s a lifestyle. With iconic breaks like Trestles, T-Street, and San Onofre, it’s no surprise that San Clemente has produced some of the best surfers in the world. This city has become the epicenter of competitive surfing in Orange County — and the world. But with the high level of training, repetition, and competition, surfing also comes with unique physical demands. That’s why surfers getting the right physical therapy in San Clemente is so important for athletes who want to stay healthy, perform at their peak, and recover quickly from injury.

Why Surfers Face Unique Physical Challenges

Unlike traditional sports that focus on predictable movement patterns, surfing is highly dynamic. Surfers must transition between long periods of paddling, explosive pop-ups, powerful rotations, and high-impact landings. This combination places unusual stress on the body.

The most common injuries in surfers include:

• Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strains, labral tears, and impingement from thousands of paddle strokes
• Lower back pain caused by prolonged extension while paddling and quick rotations during turns
• Knee and ankle injuries like MCL sprains, meniscus tears, or ankle instability from bottom turns and aerial landings
• Neck pain and stiffness from craning the head up while paddling
• Muscle strains in the core, hamstrings, and calves from explosive takeoffs and maneuvers

Without the right rehab, these injuries can become chronic, keeping surfers out of the water and limiting performance.

The Role of Physical Therapy for Surfers

Surfers don’t just need “general rehab” – they need a program tailored to the biomechanics of surfing. That’s where specialized physical therapy makes all the difference.

A sport-specific program includes:

• Detailed movement analysis to identify weaknesses in paddling, pop-ups, and turns
• Strength and mobility training for the shoulders, hips, and spine to handle long sessions and prevent overuse injuries
• Balance and stability drills that mirror wave riding and aerial maneuvers
• Return-to-sport protocols designed to transition surfers safely back into the lineup after injury
• Performance training for surfers who want to progress to the next level, from club competitions to professional circuits

The result is not only faster recovery from injuries, but also improved performance and reduced risk of future problems.

Why Specialists Matter in Surfer Rehab

General physical therapy clinics often take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. But surfers benefit most from specialists who understand the sport inside and out. At MOTUS Specialists, our team works daily with surfers ranging from junior competitors to world champions. This experience allows us to design programs that directly translate to better results in the water.

Whether it’s correcting shoulder imbalances from over-paddling, building explosive hip power for airs, or restoring ankle stability after a sprain, specialized care ensures that every exercise has purpose.

MOTUS Specialists and the San Clemente Surf Community

MOTUS has deep roots in the San Clemente surf culture. Our clinic has become the trusted choice for surfers because of our proven track record with elite athletes. We’ve worked with legends like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Kolohe Andino, Crosby Colapinto and Griffin Colapinto (The Cola Bro’s) – All are iconic surfers who have pushed the limits of the sport on the global stage.

That same expertise is available to the local community. MOTUS Specialists supports athletes from San Clemente High School Surf Team, Dana Hills High Surf Club, San Juan Hills High Surf Team, and other Orange County surf programs. Many of these athletes train year-round, competing at both local and national levels, and they need therapy and performance care equal to what professionals receive.

By providing advanced physical therapy in San Clemente, MOTUS ensures that the next generation of Orange County surfers has the tools to stay healthy, compete, and progress.

Why MOTUS is the Best Choice for Surfers in San Clemente

• Experience with world-class athletes including multiple WSL competitors
• Programs tailored for surfing rather than generic rehab
• Integration with local surf culture from high school surf clubs to community surf events
• Convenient San Clemente location near the breaks surfers actually ride

For anyone serious about their surfing – whether it’s returning to the water after an injury or building strength for competition – MOTUS offers the highest level of care in the region.

Preventing Surf Injuries Before They Start

One of the most valuable aspects of working with a physical therapy team is learning how to prevent injuries before they happen. For surfers, this can mean:

• Warming up before paddling out
• Regular shoulder and hip mobility exercises
• Strengthening the core to protect the spine
• Balance training to handle unpredictable wave conditions
• Recovery strategies like mobility work, stretching, and proper nutrition

These strategies are especially important for high school and college athletes who train and compete frequently. By investing in prevention, surfers can extend their careers and enjoy more time in the water.

Resources for Surfers

For additional insight into surf health, Surfline provides an overview of common injuries and prevention tips (Surfline Injury Guide). Combining resources like these with specialized care at MOTUS gives surfers the best chance at staying healthy and excelling.

Contact us to talk to one of our specialists.