Waves of Healing: South Jersey Surfer Makes Speedy Return to the Water After Knee Surgery

By Robert Weiss, PT, Shore Medical Center

Travis Dauria of Woodbine has been a surfer since the age of 13, riding the waves at New Jersey's beautiful beaches and in some of the best surf spots around the world. Like most surfers, saltwater is in his blood, and his life revolves around the tides, swells, and wind.

It was no surprise that I met Travis in the ocean last summer. When I'm not working at Shore Medical Center as an outpatient physical therapist, I immerse myself in surf photography, capturing the natural beauty of surfing and our coastline. Travis and I quickly bonded over our shared passion for surfing and the sea. Throughout the fall and winter, we spent many early mornings enjoying the waves before starting our workdays. These special sessions, which I captured through photos, solidified our friendship.

During this time, Travis was dealing with a knee injury that had begun a year prior, and he could no longer ignore it. He went to an orthopedic doctor, who diagnosed him with prepatellar bursitis. The doctor attempted to drain the knee but could not because the swelling had been there for so long. Travis's next option was to have his inflamed bursa sac surgically removed. Travis notes following surgery, "It was a humbling recovery, and I was shocked how much muscle atrophy occurred just after two weeks of rest."

I was excited when Travis decided to complete his rehab with me and the Shore Medical Center physical therapy team. Travis recalls, "The first day I walked into physical therapy, I was scared. I was scared of the pain and how long the process would take, but after the first session, I felt so much more comfortable. I knew Rob wouldn't push me past my limits, but he'd bring me to the limit I wanted, and we would push a little more every day." Travis began to gain more confidence with each session, and with that confidence came improved knee motion and strength. He was soon walking without crutches and could ride a stationary bike again. Travis's success also came from being consistent with his stretching and strengthening exercises at home.

When speaking about Shore Medical Center, Travis says, "Going somewhere with someone who understands and can be compassionate with you was a big deal. When I walked into the clinic the first day, it was eye contact, handshakes, and good vibes. The whole physical therapy team at Shore was there for me, pushing and supporting me so I could get back in the water."

And on June 20th, Travis made his return to the surf. While his recovery process was fast, it would be the longest he'd ever been out of the water. As Travis's physical therapist, it was a special experience for me to see and photograph his first surf back following knee surgery. Travis recalls, "It was an emotional and surreal experience. The session went by like a blur, like my wedding day. Mother nature delivered. I paddled out with some good friends to a wonderful sunrise. It was a small crowd and playful two-foot surf. The smell of the saltwater was energizing, and I was just taking it all in. It was incredible, and the time out of the water really made me appreciate the time I spent back in."

Travis surfed smoothly and polished on his first session back. As his physical therapist, his recovery came full circle, and as his surf photographer, we connected on some beautiful photos. We look forward to continue spending time on the water together, improving and exploring each of our crafts.