Attacking Pain in Youth Volleyball Athletes

Before we dive in (pun intended), take a quick guess: what is the most common injury amongst youth volleyball athletes?  Shoulder, ankle, or knee?

If you guessed ankle, then you’re correct!  The most common injury amongst this population is ankle sprains.  Research shows that recurrent ankle sprains in this population are significantly tied to insufficient rehabilitation.  But not to worry, physical therapists can help!  Also in the lower body we see knee injuries.  This can sometimes look similar to “runner’s knee” but is referred to in volleyball as “jumper’s knee,” and known in the medical community as patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendinitis.  Like runners, volleyball players will benefit greatly from a progressive protocol of strengthening and properly loading that tendon at the knee in order to regain pain-free function and prevent future re-injury.

Shoulder pain… not uncommon amongst athletes and non-athletes alike, and certainly not uncommon amongst our youth athletes here.  Just consider the repetitive use of the shoulder with aggressive serves and hits.  At this joint we frequently see instability, impingement, and muscle weakness as significant contributing factors to pain and negatively impacting performance.  Less thought of in the upper body is hand injuries.  Specifically trauma to the fingers is very common amongst our setters and blockers.  This can range from sprains, tendon tears, dislocations, to even fractures.  Although all PT’s have the general education to treat any body part, our finger and hand injuries may be best treated by a provider who specializes in hand therapy.  

Not unlike the general population, volleyball players may experience low back pain throughout their athletic careers.  Due to the extreme and repetitive positions required throughout multiple matches, overuse injuries are common and may contribute to muscle strains or stress fractures (think shin splints in runners).  Although youth athletes are susceptible to similar injuries as adult athletes, the physiological changes that occur at different phases in their lives are crucial to consider.  This is why it is important to seek an educated provider who can tailor your youth athlete’s care to best meet their needs, get them back to the sport they love, and keep them injury free moving forward

Have more questions about how physical therapy can treat volleyball injuries? We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.

Let’s attack this together! :)

Bailey Van Oosbree, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Loon State Physical Therapy