Surf Injury Chiropractor — Northern Beaches
Jess Milsom | Cromer, Narrabeen & Collaroy
Movement Health & Wellness was founded by Jess Milsom — chiropractor, strength and conditioning coach, and lifelong Northern Beaches local.
Jess grew up competing in surf lifesaving and has spent most of her life in the water at beaches from Cromer to Narrabeen. She trained as a personal trainer before completing her chiropractic degree at Macquarie University, and now runs her clinic from inside Surfers Gym in Cromer — where movement and rehab genuinely go hand in hand.
The clinic was built on a simple belief: that staying active and moving well is what keeps people healthy long-term. Whether you're a competitive surfer, a weekend dawn patroller, or someone who just wants to stay in the water as long as possible — Movement is here to help you do that.
A local chiro who actually surfs
Common surf injuries we assess and treat
Surfing places high demands on the spine, shoulders, and hips. Here are some of the presentations we commonly see in clinic:
Surfer's shoulder
Repetitive paddling loads the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, and AC joint over time. Shoulder pain that builds gradually — or flares acutely after a heavy session — is one of the most common presentations we see. Assessment focuses on identifying the specific structures involved and addressing any contributing movement patterns or strength deficits.
Lower back pain from paddling
Sustained extension of the back while paddling, combined with the explosive rotation of turns, and the movement of a take-off or pop-up, places significant load on the lower back. Acute flare-ups and chronic stiffness are both common, particularly in those who surf frequently or have returned to surfing after a break.
Neck pain and stiffness
Holding your head up while paddling requires sustained contraction of the cervical extensors — a position that can contribute to neck pain, headaches, and restricted movement. This is especially common in those increasing their time in the water.
Rib and thoracic injuries
Wipeouts, board impact, and the twisting demands of surfing can result in rib contusions, thoracic joint irritation, and mid-back stiffness. These injuries are often underestimated and can affect breathing, paddling, and rotation.
Hip and knee pain
The pop-up, crouching stance, and rail-to-rail weight transfer in surfing place repetitive demand on the hips and knees. Hip flexor tightness, IT band issues, and patellofemoral pain are all presentations that can affect your time in the water.
Wrist and hand injuries
Falls onto an outstretched hand and contact with the board or reef can result in wrist sprains, fractures, and ligament injuries. Early assessment helps guide the appropriate management pathway.
How we work
A thorough assessment to understand what's driving your pain or limiting your movement. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, mobilisation, dry needling, cupping, and DNS — tailored to what's actually going on for you.
Chiropractic assessment & treatment
Rehab that's built around the demands of surfing — not generic gym exercises. 1:1 and semi-private sessions focused on building the strength, stability, and movement capacity to support your surfing long-term.
Surf-specific strength & rehab
Can't make it in? Online coaching includes a personalised program, full app access, and fortnightly check-ins to keep your rehab on track — wherever you are.
Online coaching
Based in Cromer, serving the Northern Beaches
Movement Health & Wellness is located at Surfers Gym, 8 Villiers Place, Cromer NSW 2099 — right in the heart of the Northern Beaches surf community.
We regularly see patients from Narrabeen, Collaroy, Warriewood, Dee Why, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Brookvale, Beacon Hill, and the surrounding areas. On-site parking is available, with additional street parking nearby.
If your injury is affecting your ability to climb stairs, please call ahead — Jess can make arrangements to accommodate you.
Opening Hours:
Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 1:00pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Thursday 1:30pm – 7:30pm
Friday 7:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday 8:30am – 11:00am (fortnightly)
Offering chiropractic care, dry needling, cupping, exercise rehab, and guided fitness coaching
FAQs
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Chiropractors are trained to assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions — including the shoulder, spine, hip, and knee injuries common in surfers. At Movement Health & Wellness, we combine chiropractic assessment with dry needling, cupping, and surf-specific exercise rehabilitation to support your recovery and return to the water.
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Both professions assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions, and there is significant overlap. Chiropractors have a particular focus on spinal and joint assessment, manual therapy, and the relationship between structure and movement. At Movement, we also integrate strength and conditioning — which means your rehab is connected to your performance, not just your pain level.
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Recovery timelines vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury, your training history, and how consistently you engage with your rehab. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect at your initial assessment.
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We accept all major private health funds with eligible extras cover via HICAPS — so you can claim on the spot. We do not bulk bill unless you have an approved CDMP. DVA cards are also accepted.
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We're on the upper level of Surfers Gym at 8 Villiers Place, Cromer NSW 2099. Enter through the gym and head toward reception — the door to the clinic is next to the main office. On-site parking is available.
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No referral is needed. You can book directly online.
Want to know more?
At Movement - Health & Wellness, we focus on providing clear, practical information about chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Our blog covers topics like injury recovery, strength training for women, and improving mobility through evidence-based techniques. Our Frequently Asked Questions page offers straightforward answers about chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, and functional movement strategies. Whether you're recovering from an injury or aiming to improve your physical performance, our content is designed to help you understand and take control of your movement health.
