🏐 Volleyball Injuries: How Physiotherapy Can Help You Bounce Back (or Spike Back!)

Volleyball is a fast-paced, thrilling sport filled with spikes, blocks, and epic rallies 💥—but like any high-intensity activity, it also comes with a few injury risks 🤕. At Functional Xcellence, we frequently treat volleyball players recovering from preventable or manageable injuries that can seriously sideline their season. In this blog, we’re diving into the three most common volleyball injuries we see: shoulder impingement, patellar tendinopathy, and ankle sprains—and how physiotherapy can be your ultimate teammate in bouncing back 💪.

🦾 Shoulder Impingement

This injury is especially common in attackers and setters, who are constantly reaching overhead 🚀. When caught early, physio can target the muscle imbalances, poor joint mechanics, and technique flaws that contribute to the pain. Our goal? Restoring a full, pain-free range of motion, stability, and strength so players can swing harder and serve smarter without fear 💥.

🦵 Patellar Tendinopathy (aka “Jumper’s Knee”)

Jumpers, this one’s for you 🏐🔥. Patellar tendinopathy often shows up in athletes with high-volume jumping and poor loading strategies through the lower limbs. Our approach includes progressive strength loading, hands-on treatment, and biomechanics retraining to get you leaping confidently again.

🏀 According to research, the highest level of risk for this condition is among young athletes during growth spurts—a key time for preventative care.📚 Check out the study here.

And yes, even if surgery becomes necessary, we guide our athletes every step of the way through post-operative rehab designed specifically for power, speed, and explosive return to play.

🦶 Ankle Sprains

The classic volleyball injury. One bad landing at the net and boom—down you go 😬. But rest and ice alone won’t cut it. Effective rehab requires proprioceptive training, balance drills, and sport-specific stability work.

⚖️ Research shows that neuromuscular (proprioceptive) training, such as using a wobble board or balance platform, can significantly reduce the risk of ankle injuries in volleyball players when included as part of a multifaceted injury prevention strategy.📚 Read the study here

Whether it’s your first sprain or a chronic issue, our team will help you land safely and confidently every time 🛬.

Here at Functional Xcellence, we know volleyball inside and out. Our very own Michelle Darke brings elite-level experience, having coached high-level teams and worked with international volleyball athletes 🌍. Her understanding of the sport ensures that every rehab plan is tailored to the unique demands of the game—whether you’re aiming for your first club season or prepping for nationals 🏆.

Whether you're managing an ongoing injury, trying to avoid surgery, or rebuilding after one, the FX team is here to help you spike, block, and dig your way back to top form 🏐💥.

Ready to return stronger than ever? Let’s get you back on court.📍 Functional Xcellence — where performance meets recovery.

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