• 17
  • June
    2011

The number is staggering: more than 115,000 soldiers serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered a traumatic brain injury. This type of injury can impact an individual physically and mentally. Some brain injury victims find themselves unable to perform the simple tasks they previously could before the injury.

The frustrations that come with the physical challenges can also wear on a person's mentality. The process of repeating motions and dealing with pain can result in feelings of defeat and hopelessness. But now injured veterans are seeing positive results with a newer type of rehabilitation.

A family created a foundation in memory of their loved one whose passion was surfing. It began as a way to help children but developed into a way to help injured veterans during their recovery. The focus of the surfing program is to help individuals who struggle with physical or mental illness; traumatic brain injuries can cause both problems in an individual.

The goal is to bring surfing to the individual and show them that the sport isn't just about competition. Rather, surfing allows the participant to focus all their energy into the sport, taking their focus away from their injury.

One particular veteran sustained a serious brain injury while in the line of duty. His brain injury was preventing him from even getting a good night's rest. But after his first surfing session, he was able to get a full night of sleep. His story is similar to many other injured veterans who have found that surfing is helping their recovery.

One medical expert believes that surfing works as rehabilitation because of the concentration is requires. This requirement, as well as a surge of adrenaline, brings the patients into the moment where their surfing success rides solely on them. This keeps their minds off of their injuries, whether it is brain-related or stress-related, giving them the ability to cope and repair themselves.

Source: Fox News online, "How Surfing Is Helping to Heal Wounded Warriors," Karlie Pouliot, 09 June 2011