Santa Cruz County is an amazing playground. We are truly blessed to live here.

Skating, hiking, paddling, mountain biking and boating are all possible here! 

This place just invites movement and fun.

And it's all good until something starts to hurt.

We often see athletes who live for our outdoor lifestyle come in with hip pain, shoulder strain, or a tight low back.

Many of our patients keep pushing through it, until their bodies say “no.” 

No one really wants any downtime from all that fun. But you need to listen to your body when it hurts. It’s asking for help.

There are active lifestyle injuries we tend to treat often.

We treat athletes who are serious about their play—and want to keep doing it for years to come. Here's what they come in for:

Surfing Shoulders, Paddling Backs & Kayaking Necks

Paddling into waves or down the coast demands a ton from your shoulders and upper back. Even your lower back is involved. 

Paddling's repetitive motion can strain your lats, tighten your traps, and lead to serious rotator cuff irritation. It can even cause tension headaches.

Paddle sports can even cause lower back pain! I regularly see a paddler with chronic pain in their sacrum. 

Trail Running & Hiking Strain

Pounding dirt paths and climbing switchbacks can create instability in your hips and knees.

We often see patients with tight hip flexors, glute imbalances, and low back tension after long days on the trail.

Mountain Biking & Skating Impacts

Whether you’re on a downhill ride or carving bowls, your spine and joints take a beating.

It’s common to develop spinal misalignments, knee strain, or wrist and elbow irritation from all the vibration and impact.

Sailing Strain and Boating Body Aches

Balancing on a moving boat requires constant core engagement and stabilizer muscle activation.

We see a lot of low back pain, hip fatigue, and shoulder overuse from long days on a boat.

Fishing Fatigue—Yes, It’s Real

Ocean anglers often hold static postures while reeling, twisting, or casting repeatedly.

That combo of stillness and motion can cause sore shoulders, tight lower backs, and even elbow or wrist discomfort by the end of the day.

Don't ignore your aches and pains from outdoor fun!

It’s tempting to “wait it out,” especially when your weekend plans include the surf or the mountains.

But ignoring pain often means slower recovery—and bigger injuries.

That lingering tightness in your hip or shoulder? It can turn into chronic inflammation, muscle compensation, or even nerve issues if left untreated.

How we can help keep you active at Golden Chiropractic.

We're active ourselves, and want to support your lifestyle and your goals.

We offer:

• Chiropractic adjustments to realign your joints and restore healthy movement patterns
• Soft tissue therapy to release tension and reduce inflammation
• Stability and mobility exercises to strengthen weak areas and prevent re-injury
• Postural and sport-specific advice to support how you move in your sport

We work with surfers, skaters, sailors, hikers—you name it. We’re here to keep you strong, balanced, and moving without pain.

Prevention is your best investment.

If you love your outdoor sport, take care of your body like you take care of your gear.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Warm up before you move—especially your hips and shoulders
• Cross-train to avoid overuse
• Rest before your body forces you to
• Use proper form and technique
• And if something feels off, get care early

Want to stay in motion?

If you’re dealing with pain or trying to prevent injury before your next big surf, sail, or trail run—come see us.

Our chiropractors in Aptos specialize in keeping active people strong and moving. We treat all kinds of athletes, of all ages.

Book online today and start feeling better and moving easier.