By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator

As the school volleyball season approaches, athletes are gearing up to hit the court. However, after a break from play, returning to the rhythm of the game can be challenging—especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. Let’s explore some of the most common volleyball injuries and how players can prevent them to stay at the top of their game.

 

Common Volleyball Injuries
  • Ankle Injuries
    One of the most frequent injuries in volleyball is ankle sprains. These often happen at the net when landing on another player’s foot. If you’ve had an ankle injury before, you’re at an even higher risk for recurrence. Achilles tendinopathy is another injury volleyball players should be mindful of, especially during intense training periods.
  • Knee Injuries
    Jumping and landing put significant stress on the knees, leading to knee sprains or overuse injuries like patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper’s knee. This condition affects the patellar tendon and can cause pain during activities like jumping or landing—movements common in volleyball.
  • Shoulder Injuries
    Volleyball players are at risk for shoulder sprains and rotator cuff tendinopathy due to the repetitive, high-demand motions required during the game. The rotator cuff muscles, although small, are critical in maintaining shoulder stability and are prone to overuse injuries in this sport.
  • Hand Injuries
    Finger and thumb sprains frequently occur in volleyball, usually caused by awkward contact with the ball during blocks or defensive plays.

 

Injury Prevention Tips
  • Warm-Up Properly: A dynamic warm-up is essential to prepare the body for play. Game-like movements and stretches can help ensure that you’re ready for the demands of the court. Check out these warm-up tips to get started.
  • Cool Down After Play: Just as warming up is important, a proper cool-down routine that gradually lowers the intensity of activity can help reduce muscle tightness and stiffness post-game.
  • Consult a Physiotherapist: A physiotherapist or health professional can provide tailored exercises and stretches to address muscle imbalances, reducing the risk of injury. They can also optimize your warm-up and cool-down routines for better performance and recovery.

 

 

What to Do if You’re Injured

If you sustain an injury, early intervention is key. Physiotherapy can help manage inflammation, pain, and muscle tightness, especially in the early stages of an injury. Treatments like cupping, acupuncture, and compression therapy can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

For chronic injuries like tendinopathies, managing your activity load is critical. Flare-ups are often caused by pushing beyond your capacity without proper recovery. In-season load management is particularly important for volleyball players, as balancing training with rest can help minimize missed playing time. Physiotherapists can guide you in finding the right balance to support recovery and prevent further setbacks.

 

Book an Appointment

If you’re dealing with any of these common volleyball injuries or want to ensure you’re in the best shape for the season, the experts at the Sport Manitoba Clinic are here to help. Our team of physiotherapists can guide you with personalized treatment plans and injury prevention strategies to keep you on the court. Book your appointment today and get ready to perform at your best.

 

Looking for Expert Guidance?

For volleyball-specific injury recovery or enhancing your athletic performance, connect with Mathieu Chartier, physiotherapist at the Sport Manitoba Clinic, or Matthew Ginter, performance coach at Sport Manitoba Performance. Their expertise in volleyball, sports medicine, and athlete training will ensure you receive the care and guidance you need.

 

Resources
  • Young WK, Briner W, Dines DM. Epidemiology of Common Injuries in the Volleyball Athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2023.
  • de Azevedo Sodré Silva, A., Sassi, L.B., Martins, T.B., et al. Epidemiology of injuries in young volleyball athletes: a systematic review. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023.
  • Sport Manitoba: Why We Warm Up