Spike.
Serve.
Block.
Repeat.
Volleyball demands powerful overhead movements — and your shoulder pays the price.
If you’re starting to feel pain at the front or top of your shoulder after training or matches, you’re not alone.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries in volleyball players, especially hitters and servers.
The good news?
Most cases are treatable — and preventable — with the right physiotherapy approach.
Let’s break it down. π
Every spike involves:
Rapid arm elevation
Extreme external rotation
Explosive internal rotation
High-speed deceleration
That’s a lot of stress on a small joint.
Over time, repetitive overhead loading can irritate:
βοΈ Rotator cuff tendons
βοΈ Biceps tendon
βοΈ Shoulder capsule
βοΈ Subacromial space
But here’s the key:
π Shoulder pain is often a movement problem — not just a tendon problem.
The rotator cuff stabilises the shoulder during powerful movements.
If it’s weak, the joint becomes overloaded.
Your shoulder blade (scapula) must move smoothly when you spike.
If it’s unstable or poorly controlled, strain increases.
Limited upper-back mobility forces the shoulder to move excessively.
This increases impingement risk.
Back-to-back tournaments
Extra training sessions
Insufficient rest
The shoulder never gets time to adapt.
Dropping the elbow
Overarching the lower back
Early arm acceleration
These increase stress on the joint.
β οΈ Pain when lifting your arm
β οΈ Pain during spiking or serving
β οΈ Shoulder weakness
β οΈ Clicking or catching sensation
β οΈ Pain at night
If symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks, it’s time for assessment.
At Benphysio, we don’t just treat the painful shoulder — we assess the entire movement chain.
Adjust training intensity to allow healing without complete rest.
Progressive strengthening to improve joint stability.
Improves shoulder blade coordination and reduces overload.
Restores upper-back movement to reduce shoulder strain.
Releases tight structures and improves joint mechanics.
If you’re a volleyball player in KL, Bangsar, Puchong, Ampang, Cheras, or Kota Damansara, early physiotherapy can prevent minor irritation from becoming a chronic injury.
The earlier you intervene, the faster and safer your return to sport.
Mild cases: 3–6 weeks
Moderate cases: 6–10 weeks
Chronic overload: 3 months or more
Recovery depends on:
Consistency
Strength progression
Technique correction
Load management
π Complete rest alone is rarely the answer. Structured rehabilitation is.
1. Can I keep playing with shoulder pain?
Mild cases may continue with load modification. Sharp or worsening pain should be assessed.
2. Is it just inflammation?
Not usually. It’s often a load and control problem.
3. Should I ice my shoulder?
Ice may reduce symptoms temporarily but won’t fix underlying weakness.
4. Do I need an MRI?
Most cases improve with physiotherapy without imaging.
5. Can poor posture cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Rounded shoulders and thoracic stiffness increase overload risk.
6. Is surgery common?
Rarely needed unless there is a major tear.
7. When should I see a physiotherapist?
If pain affects performance or lasts more than 1–2 weeks.
Volleyball shoulder pain isn’t random.
It usually means:
π Stability is lacking
π Mobility is restricted
π Load exceeds capacity
Physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, restore movement, and prevent recurrence.
Because the goal isn’t just to spike again.
It’s to spike stronger — without pain.
Relieve Muscle Pain. Enhance Recovery. Boost Performance
Available at: Oval Damansara, Bangsar, KL Ampang, Cheras, Puchong, Kepong, Puncak Alam,
Ayer Keroh Melaka, Mount Austin Johor & Iskandar Puteri Johor
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