Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Volleyball places unique demands on the shoulder and knee. The repetitive overhead actions of spiking and serving combined with high jump volumes create injury patterns that require sport-specific physiotherapy.
Common Volleyball Injuries
Shoulder Injuries
Volleyball has one of the highest shoulder injury rates of any sport. The spike requires explosive internal rotation, and the serve demands sustained overhead loading — both actions repeatedly stress the rotator cuff, shoulder labrum, and AC joint.
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy — cumulative overload of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus
- Shoulder impingement — subacromial space compression from scapular fatigue and poor mechanics
- GIRD (Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit) — posterior shoulder tightness from repetitive throwing/spiking that increases anterior shoulder load
- Labral tears (SLAP lesions) — from repetitive overhead forces or acute diving actions
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Volleyball players jump hundreds of times per session. This repetitive loading causes patellar tendinopathy in a significant proportion of players. Treatment requires progressive tendon loading and careful management of jump volumes. See our dedicated article on patellar tendinopathy.
Ankle Sprains
Landing on an opponent's foot at the net is the most common mechanism for volleyball ankle sprains. Lateral ankle sprains are managed with early movement and proprioceptive rehab.
Finger Injuries
Ball contact causes PIP joint sprains and fractures in blockers and setters. X-ray is needed to rule out fracture. Most sprains are managed with buddy taping and early movement.
Physiotherapy for Volleyball Shoulder
Shoulder rehabilitation for volleyball players focuses on posterior shoulder flexibility (to correct GIRD), rotator cuff strengthening (with emphasis on external rotators), scapular upward rotation exercises, and thoracic extension mobility. A sport-specific return-to-spiking program gradually reintroduces overhead load as strength and movement quality improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do volleyball players get so many shoulder injuries?
The volleyball spike and serve require high-velocity internal rotation and horizontal adduction — generating enormous forces through the shoulder. Over a season, a player may complete thousands of these actions. This repetitive loading causes rotator cuff fatigue and tendinopathy, shoulder impingement, and in some cases, shoulder instability.
How is jumper's knee managed in volleyball?
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) is common in volleyball due to high jump volumes. Treatment involves a progressive tendon loading program — isometric holds, slow heavy squats, and gradual return to jumping. Training load management (reducing jump volume during rehab) is critical.
Can I play volleyball with a rotator cuff injury?
It depends on the severity. Minor tendinopathy often responds to load modification combined with physiotherapy — allowing continued (reduced) participation. Full rotator cuff tears or significant impingement may require a temporary break from spiking and serving. Your physiotherapist will assess and guide you.
How can volleyball players prevent shoulder injuries?
A shoulder injury prevention program for volleyball players should include: rotator cuff strengthening (particularly the posterior rotator cuff — external rotators and infraspinatus), scapular stability training, thoracic mobility exercises, and monitoring training load. A physiotherapist can design an individualised prevention program.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora