It is estimated that 800 million people in about 130 countries play volleyball. The majority of volleyball injuries come from overuse and account for between 50-80% of all injuries. Most injuries are not season-ending or career-ending. Sixty-three percent of injuries are related to jumping. The playing surface clearly impacts injury rates. Injuries are more common on concrete or linoleum than on wood or sand courts. It's a telling fact that elite collegiate players had five times as many injuries (per hour) when they played on indoor courts versus sand courts. Ankle injuries, knee and meniscus sprains and patella tendonitis/"jumpers knee", shoulder/rotator cuff and lower back injuries are the most common.
The best way to avoid these injuries is with a proper "prehabilitation" program involving stretching, strengthening and sport specific training. Sport specific training for volleyball includes strengthening of the quadriceps and patella tendon as well as proprioceptive exercises to increase body awareness and avoid ankle and knee sprains. If an injury occurs the best course of action is to rest for 3-5 days and allow your body to begin the healing process. However, if the injury persists Dr. Runco can help you overcome your injury with athletic injury treatment protocols that include Kinesiotaping of the injured area. Kinesiotaping is well known in volleyball circles. Kerry Walsh wore it to support her rotator cuff during her teams goldmedal run in the 2008 olympics.
In addtion to Kinesiotaping Dr. Runco employs a wide range of sports medicine modalities to return injured volleyball players back to the court. Theraputic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, fascia release technique, joint manipulation and rehabilitative exercise are all used in conjunction with Kinesiotaping to quickly and effectively treat the injury and get the athlete back on the court pain free.
"I play beach volleyball and had seen a foot doctor for my unstable ankle. They made me custom orthotics....not much help on the beach when I'm barefoot! Dr. Runco adjusted my ankle, Kinesiotaped it and showed me a home strengthening and proprioceptive program. Thanks Doc."
