Volleyball Injuries

With nearly half a million high school students playing on volleyball teams each year, injuries are on the rise. Whether you play indoor or beach volleyball, your season depends on playing safely and getting the right treatment when injuries happen. At Henry Ford Health, our sports medicine specialists provide the expert care you need on and off the court.

Volleyball injury causes

As a volleyball player, you’re prone to overuse injuries. You do extensive jumping, landing and pivoting. Playing on a hard surface like a court can further increase your risk of ankle and knee injuries. Spiking, serving and other overhead movements frequently lead to shoulder pain and injuries.

Constant hitting and blocking also cause a lot of impact against your wrists and hands. Volleyballs can reach speeds of up to 80 mph. This is more than enough force to cause acute injuries, such as finger fractures or dislocations.

Common volleyball injuries we treat

Our sports medicine specialists treat a wide range of volleyball injuries, including:

• Ankle sprains
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Dislocations and tendon tears in the fingers
• Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder labrum tears
• Spondylolysis (stress fractures in the spine)

Volleyball injury treatment

Physicians, certified athletic trainers and physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help volleyball players overcome injuries, including:

• Targeted strength training: We encourage injured volleyball players to work on core and lower body strength while their injury heals. Strengthening these muscle groups can improve stability and help prevent re-injury when the athlete returns to play.
• Agility training: Specialized equipment at our Center for Athletic Medicine helps volleyball players regain agility as they recover from injuries. The speedzone® system assesses speed, endurance and reaction timing. We also do interval training to work on quick bursts of speed as players rehabilitate.
• Off-court conditioning: Stay fit while you heal using our anti-gravity treadmill. This low-impact cardiovascular training keeps you moving without stressing your joints.

We can treat most volleyball injuries without surgery. If you do need surgery, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in the latest minimally invasive techniques. These procedures help you recover faster and with less pain.

Volleyball injury prevention

There are a variety of ways you can reduce your risk of volleyball injuries:

• Play on flat, even surfaces whenever possible.
• Start conditioning several weeks or months before the season begins.
• Use the right equipment, including knee pads and supportive shoes.
• Warm up and cool down before and after every practice and game.

Volleyball injury care: Why choose Henry Ford?

At our sports medicine program, you’ll find:

• Experienced providers: Henry Ford’s team of sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers work with high school and collegiate volleyball teams throughout southeast and south central Michigan. We understand the unique body mechanics and potential injuries associated with volleyball.
• Minimally invasive treatment options: From Tenex procedures to treat Achilles and Patellar tendons to plasma-rich protein (PRP) injections to treat knee injuries there are options available to reduce procedure time, hasten recovery and increase potential for improved outcomes.
• Convenient access: Most providers can see you within 24 to 48 hours, so you receive prompt care for your injury. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. Henry Ford also features walk-in orthopedic clinics with extended evening hours to fit your busy schedule.
• State-of-the-art facility: Our Center for Athletic Medicine is one of the most comprehensive performance facilities in the nation. We have the equipment and staff to help you heal and return to the game in peak condition.
• Customized care: No two injuries are exactly alike. We evaluate your unique challenges and build a treatment plan that meets your needs. Your care team makes sure you can safely return to volleyball with less risk of re-injury.

Request an appointment

Request an appointment or learn more about our sports medicine services. We offer in-person and virtual visits.

Explore our blogs

Learn more about sports injuries and injury prevention:

• Preventing Sports Injuries in Your Student Athlete
• Put a Stop to Recurring Injuries