Mr Price Pro

Mr Price Pro (previously known as the Gunston 500) is an International Surfing Competition that takes place in Durban, South Africa. In July 2011, the event was attended by Murdoch Chiropractic students who had the responsibility (and great opportunity) of treating the athletes and accredited staff. Seven 5th year students, one 3rd year student and three of our graduates were part of our delegation.

Brian Nook first made contact with the organizers when he was a lecturer for the Chiropractic School in Durban and established this collaboration in 1997 with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) chiropractic students. This association was continued by Dr. Charmaine Korporall one of Dean Nook’s past students and now the Head of the Program at DUT. The exchange program was then developed between DUT and Murdoch for the students to work at the Mr. Price Pro surfing competition and between the students from each of the institutions.

This year, the surfing competition was held from July 2nd to 10th at the foreshore of Ballito, a northern suburb of Durban. Our students and supervisors arrived at 8am each morning with equipment and tables to facilitate the treatments to athletes. An enclosed marquee was provided by the organizers for the sole use of the chiropractic students.

The students gained experience in dealing with injuries and overuse of musculoskeletal conditions specific to surfers. Each case would begin with a history and physical examination of the patient then discuss their findings with a supervisor (either Dr Brian Nook, or Charmaine Korporaal, academic at DUT).

The supervisor mentored the student towards formulating a diagnosis and oversaw the treatment being performed by the student. All treatments were provided on a voluntary and free of charge basis. Some athletes were treated using chiropractic manipulation, many had soft tissue work provided and others were strapped, some instructed to return for follow up care later in the week.

It was a great opportunity for the students to see firsthand the injuries and prevalence of athletes in an international event and to focus their skills in a competitive arena of surfing. As the work was one on one with their supervisor, it also helped to greatly improve their skills.

The students feedback was positive and would recommend the experience to their fellow students. They valued the time they spent with each of the DUT students working and billeting together during their stay and showing the Murdoch students a bit of the South African lifestyle.

During their time in South Africa, the students also treated patients in an African township. Read more about this experience.

For more information on the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science’s involvement in the Mr Price Pro please contact Dr Deb Nook.