Ankle Sprains in Volleyball: Prevention, Rehab & Why FX is the Go-To Clinic for Volleyball Athletes

Volleyball is one of the most dynamic and explosive sports in the world. With constant jumping, quick directional changes, and landings under pressure, it’s no surprise that ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in volleyball. In fact, according to the International Volleyball Federation, ankle injuries consistently rank at the top of volleyball-related concerns, sidelining players from both training and competition.

Why Are Ankle Sprains So Common in Volleyball?

Ankle sprains in volleyball usually happen during:

• Landing from a jump – particularly when landing on another player’s foot at the net.

• Sudden changes in direction – when chasing down a ball or covering court space.

• Lateral movements – as players shift quickly in defense or positioning.

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The combination of repeated jumping and unpredictable landing scenarios puts volleyball players at high risk. Unlike running-based sports, volleyball involves multi-directional forces under fatigue, making ankle stability critical.

PEACE & LOVE: The Modern Approach to Ankle Rehab

Gone are the days of “just ice and rest.” Today, physios use the PEACE & LOVE framework to guide both acute and long-term recovery:

• PEACE (Immediate Care): Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatories, Compress, and Educate.

• LOVE (Long-Term Recovery): Load, Optimism, Vascularisation, and Exercise.

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This ensures athletes not only recover faster but also minimise re-injury risk by restoring strength, mobility, and confidence in the ankle.

The Role of Proprioception Training

One of the biggest keys in both rehab and prehab is proprioception training – the body’s ability to sense movement and position. For volleyball athletes, this means training the ankle to:

• React to uneven or unexpected landings.

• Maintain balance under pressure.

• Build resilience for repeated jumps and lateral movements.

• Proprioception drills, balance training, and sport-specific retraining are essential to bulletproofing the ankle and ensuring peak performance on the court.

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Why Choose Functional Xcellence for Volleyball Rehab?

At FX, we don’t just treat injuries – we help athletes perform at their best. Our clinic is proud to have Michelle Darke, a physiotherapist who has worked on the world stage with some of the best volleyball players in the world. Michelle brings unmatched experience, having provided physiotherapy support at the highest levels of international volleyball, both indoor and beach.

This makes her the Sunshine Coast’s leading volleyball physiotherapist, trusted by elite athletes and recreational players alike.

✅ Volleyball-Specific Rehab – Not generic physio, but rehab designed for the demands of your sport.

✅ Prehab Strategies – Helping athletes prevent ankle sprains before they happen.

✅ Performance Integration – Bridging the gap between injury recovery and peak competition.

✅ World-Class Expertise – With Michelle’s international volleyball experience, you’ll be in the best hands possible. Remember she's an exceptional player too!

Whether you’re an elite player or a weekend warrior, Functional Xcellence is the Sunshine Coast’s go-to physio clinic for volleyball athletes.

👉 If you’ve suffered an ankle sprain or want to prevent one, book your session with FX in Maroochydore today. With Michelle Darke and our expert team, you’ll recover faster, play stronger, and take your game to the next level.

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