Paddle Sports

You might be surprised at the types of injuries that cause the most problems for paddlers (kayakers, canoeists, & rafters)...

Most injuries occur while the paddler was in the boat (87%) and another 8% while “swimming" (When the paddler was forced to abandon their boat in the water.)
Only 5% of injuries occur while portaging (carrying the boat to or from the river, or around a difficult rapid).
The most common mechanism of injury is striking an object in the river (40%)
25% are the result of traumatic stress injuries (the impact of water against the body or equipment, as in a dislocated shoulder from an overextended brace)
25% are overuse injuries

More specifically, the injuries most commonly found include:

Abrasions (25%)
Contusion / Bruises (22%)
Tendinitis (25%)
Dislocation (17%)

61% of reported injuries were to the upper extremity, with almost half of these injuries involving the shoulder.

Ironically, it is overuse injuries that cause paddlers to have to take more time off from the river. (Even when traumatic impact injuries seem to take a bigger toll at first.)

With the Paddle Fit Program at Archer Physical Therapy,
You Can Expect:
Quick Pain Relief
Paddling Technique Instructions
Quality Care at an Affordable Cost

What is the most important way to prevent an injury while paddling?

What percentage of shoulder injuries recover through Physical Therapy, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons?

Here is an excellent article on dressing for cold weather paddling!

Debra Martin, MSPT, CLT, has had years of experience in hiking, climbing, & paddling across the country. She has paddled up to Class III in a kayak and a canoe, and knows what it's like to be forced to stop due to an injury. She brings her 15 years of experience as a Physical Therapist to help you get back on the water for years to come.

Debra has developed the Archer Event Medical Coverage & Recovery Acceleration Program which serves athletes' needs at many local events, including the TVCC Paddle School, the Rock Creek Trail Race Series, several Chattanooga Track Club races, climbing competitions & more. She is also a member of the American Road Race Medical Society.

With the Paddle Fit Program at Archer Physical Therapy, your injury can become an opportunity to re-evaluate your technique & learn how your body works best. You can paddle stronger & better for years to come!

Subpages (2): Paddling Technique Shoulder Recovery