Surf Medicine: Surfing as a Means of Therapy for Combat-Related Polytrauma

Abstract

In Brief Among the thousands of US Service members wounded in Iraq, many have sustained multiple traumas and developed physical and mental injuries. The term “polytrauma” refers to concurrent injury to the brain and several body areas or organ systems that result in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Although many therapeutic modalities are available for patients with polytrauma, only a few modalities simultaneously address global rehabilitation, including pain, vestibular impairment, and cognitive symptoms. The sport of surfing involves aspects of hydrotherapy, strength training, balance rehabilitation, and group supportive therapy. Recent adaptations have been made that allow those with severe injuries and missing limbs to learn how to surf. Many U.S. service members wounded in Iraq have suffered polytrauma—concurrent injuries to the brain and several body areas and organ systems resulting in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Only a few therapeutic modalities simultaneously address global rehabilitation.The sport of surfing involves aspects of hydrotherapy, strength training, balance rehabilitation, and group supportive therapy. This case illustrates the potential of surfing as a multi-modal treatment for patients with polytrauma.