Ocean Therapy is a relatively new but internationally recognized natural form of therapy. It first serves as an alternative treatment that uses ocean and water sports as a medium to better the lives of those who live with neurological as well as physical disabilities and conditions. For example, surfing and other ocean-related activities such as kayaking are applied to treat various types of physical and mental injuries.
According to Emily D. Clapham, an Associate Professor at the University of Rhodes Island centering on ocean therapy for children with disabilities, there aren’t many activities for children with disabilities, and one of her priorities is to change that by inventing new adaptive physical education programs.
Various groups have used surfing to assist in addiction recovery, as well as the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and even to assist the physical and psychological recovery from amputations. (Osborn, Samuel Williams, 2011, Abstract)