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Sports Massage & Injury Rehab for SUP Athletes | Elite Bodywork
- Tiffany Sandoval
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Table of Contents
The Demands of SUP
SUP is more than paddling—it’s a full-body test of balance, endurance, and rotational power. The shoulders and rotator cuff absorb repetitive strokes; the core and lumbar spine stabilize against waves; hips and knees maintain stance and absorb torque.
👉 The result? Chronic fatigue, shoulder impingements, low-back pain, hip stiffness, and knee strain that cut short water time.
Athlete Fears: Injury, Pain & Lost Endurance
For SUP athletes, the biggest fear isn’t falling in—it’s losing the ability to paddle strong, compete, or enjoy long-distance adventures. Chronic pain, old injuries, and reduced mobility can end seasons early—or even sideline paddlers permanently.
Elite Bodywork San Clemente is trusted by pro athletes & lifelong paddlers to keep them mobile, pain-free, and water-ready.
Our Signature Soft Tissue Approach for SUP Athletes
We combine the most effective therapies into one integrated system:
RAPID NeuroFascial Reset – Clears nerve irritation from repetitive strokes.
Trigger Point Therapy (Travell) – Releases pain in lats, traps, and hips.
Myofascial Release (Barnes/Myers) – Restores glide through fascial lines strained by SUP stance.
Myoskeletal Alignment (Dalton) – Corrects posture imbalances from paddling rotation.
Vodder Lymphatic Drainage – Reduces swelling after long-distance races or sprains.
Fascial Stretch Therapy (Frederick Method) – Opens shoulders, hips, and ankles for fluid mechanics.
Breathwork & Diaphragm Release – Expands lung capacity for endurance paddling.
SUP Recovery Solutions
🏄 Shoulder Fatigue
Cause: Rotator cuff overload from repetitive strokes.
Solution: Trigger point release, RAPID resets, FST for mobility.
🌊 Lower Back Pain
Cause: Prolonged stance + spinal rotation.
Solution: Myofascial release to lumbar fascia, diaphragm release, alignment correction.
🦵 Hip & Knee Stiffness
Cause: Constant balance + torque from stance.
Solution: FST hip capsule stretches, myoskeletal resets, lymphatic drainage post-strain.
✋ Wrist & Forearm Tightness
Cause: Grip fatigue from holding paddle.
Solution: Trigger point therapy + forearm release for pain-free paddling.
🎥 Self-Relief : At-Home Mobility Reset
Move: Standing Hip Flexor Stretch with Paddle Assist
Goal: Open hips & relieve stance stiffness.
Setup: Step into lunge, paddle overhead.
Steps:
Inhale 4 / Exhale 8 as you reach tall with paddle.
Hold 20–30s each side, repeat 2x.
Pro Tip: Retest balance on board—hips feel lighter & stance more stable.
FAQs for Paddlers
Q: How often should SUP athletes book? Every 2–4 weeks for maintenance; weekly during high-volume training or race prep.
Q: Can sports massage help with old injuries? Yes—scar tissue is mobilized, nerve pathways reset, and mobility restored.
Q: Will this improve paddling endurance? Absolutely. Releasing tightness + diaphragm work boosts stroke efficiency & breath power.
Q: Is this only for pro paddlers? No. From weekend warriors to elite racers, recovery is essential for everyone.
📢 Performance & Injury Prevention Partnership
On-Site Recovery for SUP races & training camps
Screening for shoulder, hip & back risk factors
SUP-specific protocols for racers, distance paddlers & weekend warriors
Collaboration with coaches, PTs & sports doctors
📆 Book a Team or Club Consultation Today (San Clemente).
About Elite Bodywork San Clemente
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
Book Your Recovery Session
📲 Don’t wait until pain sidelines your SUP season. Book your personalized recovery session in San Clemente today.
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