Physical Therapy Tips for Volleyball Players

What are the Most Common Injuries that Volleyball Players Get? 

Volleyball requires many overhead movements as well as sudden twists and turns. Because of this volleyball players are likely to experience shoulder pain, finger/hand pain, ankle pain, low back pain, and knee pain.

Some of the common injuries that volleyball players get are:

How can Physical Therapy Help Volleyball Players?

Physical therapy can help volleyball players who are preparing for or recovering from surgery, have recently suffered from an injury, or are wanting to prevent future injuries!

What is Preventative Physical Therapy?

Preventative physical is focused on preventing injury or pain from occurring through various strengthening and stretching exercises.

If you are playing volleyball every day, repetitive motions in the shoulders may lead to pain or injury. Doing preventive physical therapy pre-season, mid-season, or post-season can reduce your risk of developing an injury.

It can be difficult to prevent injury as a volleyball player; however, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Stretch

It is important to warm-up and cool-down before practices and games. Always make sure to do some light movement and stretching.

2. Do Not “Play Through the Pain”

As an athlete you are often told to “be tough and play through the pain”, however, this can worsen your condition. If you are experiencing pain, it is important to rest.

3. Strength Training

Focus on building muscle in your legs, core, and shoulders to prevent injury.

4. Eat Healthy & Hydrate

Proper nutrition and hydration can not only help to build muscle and prevent injury, but also aid in a quicker recovery!

5. Seek Help Before it’s too Late

If you are experiencing pain from a volleyball injury that does not get better or worsens, do not hesitate to seek help from an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist. Waiting to treat an injury can worsen the condition and make recovery longer and more difficult.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Volleyball Players

When you come to see us at MPOWER Physical Therapy, your physical therapist will come up with a range of strengthening and stretching exercises for you to try. Here are some simple exercises to try at home:

1. Eagle Arms Stretch for Shoulder Pain

Start by sitting in a chair with your arms out to the side. Cross your right elbow over your left and bring your touch your left finger to your right palm. Hold this pose for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

2. Calf Raises to Strengthen the Ankles

Start by standing straight with your legs parallel to your shoulders. Slowly raise the heels of your feet and gradually lower them without touching them all the way to the ground. Do 3 reps of 15, use weights if you would like.

3. Heel Dig Bridge for ACL Recovery

Lie flat on your back and bend your knees. Dig you heels into the floor and lift your hips. Hold this pose for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

To learn more about physical therapy exercises for volleyball players, check out our other blogs:

Physical Therapy After ACL Surgery

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Physical Therapy for Ankle Pain

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Physical Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Seek Help from a Physical Therapist Near You

If you are a volleyball player who has recently suffered from an injury, or you are looking to prevent future injury, seek help from one of our physical therapists located in Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, TN! Many of our physical therapists have experience working with volleyball players and high-level athletes. To schedule an appointment, call us or request an appointment online.

Author

Marina von Rutenberg
Marina is the Marketing Coordinator for Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics. She has been writing and reviewing medical content since 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-von-rutenberg/