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Volleyball Related Injuries

Volleyball

In the article "Volleyball Injuries," Dr. Kevin Eerkes explores the various injuries that are common among volleyball players. Volleyball involves many dynamic movements, including jumping, pivoting, and overhead hitting, all of which put significant strain on the body. As a result, certain injuries are more prevalent, particularly in the lower body. The ankle is the most commonly injured joint in volleyball players, followed by the knee, shoulder, lower back, and fingers. These injuries often occur due to the high-impact nature of the sport, with players 
frequently landing incorrectly from jumps or making sudden directional changes.

The shoulder is highlighted as another vulnerable area, especially for players who engage in activities like hitting and jump serving. These actions place a lot of torque on the shoulder joint, increasing the risk of overuse injuries like rotator cuff tendinitis and labral tears. The repetitive motions associated with these movements can also cause wear and tear over time, making shoulder injuries a significant concern for volleyball players.

Eerkes (2012) notes that injury patterns can vary depending on the type of volleyball being played. Indoor volleyball players tend to experience a higher frequency of lower body injuries due to the fast-paced nature of the game and the hard-court surfaces. Contrastingly, beach volleyball players are more likely to suffer from overuse injuries due to the demands of playing on sand and the intense need for upper body strength.

Understanding these injury patterns is crucial when treating volleyball players. 
Recognizing the specific risks associated with types of volleyball can help with injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also helps when determining if it is safe for players to return to the court after an injury, ensuring that athletes recover fully and reduce the risk of reinjury.

If you are a volleyball player struggling with an injury, give us a call at 503-747-6376. Our team is dedicated to getting you back into the sport as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. 

Source: 
Eerkes, K. (2012). Volleyball injuries. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(5), 251–256. 
https://doi.org/10.1249/jsr.0b013e3182699037 

Author
Dr Westerdahl David Westerdahl MD FAAFP RMSK Sports Medicine Physician and owner Sports Health Northwest, Inc.

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