Chiropractic helps surfers reach peak potential

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 16 April 2015
For Immediate Release
Chiropractic helps surfers reach peak potential
Sydney chiropractor Dr Andrew Burgess will combine his passion for work and surfing as the head sports
chiropractor at the World Surf League (WSL) Drug Aware Margaret River Pro in Western Australia from 15 to 26
April 2015.
Dr Burgess will work with a team of health professionals including a sports medicine doctor, general practitioner,
physiotherapist and massage therapist, looking after competitors.
Dr Burgess grew up in Maroubra on Sydney’s eastern beaches where he also competed in surfing events.
“I graduated as a chiropractor in 2004 and wanted to continue my association with the sport, so I’ve worked with
Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia and the World Surfing League (formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals) as
an event practitioner for the past six years.”
Last year he also conducted a large research project of 500 surfers at the Australian Surfing Titles in Coffs Harbour
titled An Australian Survey on Health and Injury in Competitive Adult Surfing which he hopes to publish shortly.
“Like many sports, surfing is much more professional now. To maintain a competitive edge, surfers must take a
holistic approach to their health and wellness.
“Strength training and health management are key priorities as today’s athletes surf longer and harder and push
themselves to the limit both in and out of the water,” Dr Burgess said.
Although he has a special interest in sports medicine, Dr Burgess sees many similarities with general practice
chiropractic which takes a holistic approach to identify problems early before they become symptomatic. This
helps reduce injury and improve normal body function.
“As a sports chiropractor I help with strength and conditioning, injury management, diet and nutritional advice as
well as acute injury management when needed. This has major psychological and physical benefits for athletes
during the competition period.”
A rising star in the sport, 20 year old Cooper Chapman from North Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern beaches
agrees.
“Maintaining peak condition is vital for success as a professional athlete. I find regularly seeing a chiropractor
allows me to surf at my peak more frequently and compete to my maximum potential.”
Earlier this year Chapman started training full-time at the Hurley Surf Australia High Performance Centre on the
Gold Coast and this week will fly to Martinique in the Caribbean to compete in the inaugural Martinique Surf Pro,
a men's QS3000 event from 21 to 26 April.
“I train a lot more and a lot harder now, plus travel overseas more. Regularly visiting my chiropractor helps me
recover more quickly and deal with any pain caused by training or traveling.”
– Ends –
More Information:
Spinal Health Week: www.spinalhealthweek.com
Chiropractors’ Association of Australia: www.chiropractors.asn.au
Media Contact:
Natasha Omar, Communications Director
M: 0431 048 390
T: 02 4731 8011
E: communications@caa.asn.au
The Peak Body Representing Chiropractors
www.chiropractors.asn.au
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About the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia
The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (National) Limited (CAA) is the peak body representing chiropractors in
Australia. It has eight autonomous CAA state and territory associations. The Association has a current
membership of approximately 3,000 members. The national body is involved with such matters as education,
publications, conventions, international relations and the liaison with federal government authorities. The CAA
actively promotes the profession within Australia to the general public and to other professionals in health
related fields.
For more information visit www.chiropractors.asn.au or phone (02) 4731 8011.
About Chiropractic in Australia
More than 215,000 Australians see a chiropractor each week to treat a range of conditions relating to spinal
health including lower back pain, neck pain and acute and chronic pain. Chiropractors are five year university
trained experts in spinal health and wellbeing delivering healthcare which is safe, effective and regulated.
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