Athletes have very strenuous jobs no matter what sport they participate in; volleyball players are probably no exception. There are over 50 different types of injuries that can plague volleyball players due as a result of their sport, but most of the injuries occur in their joints. Due to the nature of the game, it is common for players to suffer from painful injuries in their shoulders, fingers, knees, and ankles, but many more body parts can also be affected. Some of the most frequent volleyball injuries, are rotator cuff injuries, sprained or torn ankle ligaments, tendonitis in the wrists and knees, and low back pain. This article will focus on repetitive shoulder injuries and sprained ankles, and how massage can be a significant part of their treatment.
Volleyball involves a lot of arm movement that comes from the glenohumeral joint, which is the shoulder joint. This is from constant repetitive serving, blocking, setting, and spiking. Some shoulder injuries such as muscle tearing or joint dislocation usually result from sudden trauma, while other injuries such as bursitis, tendonitis, and nerve impingement will typically stem from repetitive use. Many volleyball players that suffer from repetitive use injuries will manage their pain themselves through the ice, stretching, rest, appropriate exercise, or over the counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication. If these toward self-care do not help the condition, then many players will seek out physical therapy and massage therapy. Many cases of traumatic injuries can also be treated with similar approaches, however other cases can sometimes require different types of medical treatment, surgery, or require the athlete to give up their sport. Surgery or giving up the game is more common in cases of repetitive traumatic injuries (such as several tears or dislocations to the same shoulder).
Sports and rehabilitation massage are very beneficial for breaking down restrictions and trigger points that develop from the constant use of the muscles of the shoulder. A good massage therapist will first address any inflammation with cryotherapy and lymphatic flushing. Once this is addressed, the therapist will employ various sports massage techniques such as trigger point therapy, muscle decompression, soft-tissue release, friction, and passive and isometric stretching. The goals of these techniques are to break up restrictions, release tension, bring blood flow to the area to restore nutrients and flush out toxins, increase mobility and range of motion, and ultimately ease pain and help restore muscles to a healthy state.
Sprained ankles are another injury common to volleyball players. A sprain is when a sudden traumatic force (such as a fall) causes a ligament to be compromised by either being overstretched or twisted in an unnatural way that results in damage. Sprains can be severe, or almost unnoticeable. They are common injuries for volleyball players because of the constant jumping, running, sudden changes in direction, and more. A lot of sprains happen when players fall wrong or land improperly after a jump. The level of pain and the amount of swelling usually reveal how severe the strain is.
Sprains are always immediately treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (remembered by the acronym “R.I.C.E.”). Once the initial swelling and pain have subsided the next steps in healing usually center around rehabilitation. The player needs to take steps towards self-care to restore the range of motion, mobility, and strength of the ankle. For most players, this means they have to follow a regimen of stretching and exercises. Some sprains will require a player to have some degree of physical therapy, but many times the rehabilitation can be done at home with a care routine prescribed by their doctor or physical therapist.
Massage therapy plays a huge role in reducing the long-term negative effects of a sprain, especially for volleyball players. When any damage to a muscle, tendon, or ligament occurs, it is more than likely that scar tissue will develop. Scar tissue can cause a limited range of motion, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Massage throughout the healing process can help break down scar tissue as it develops in a recent injury; it can also reduce scar tissue on older injuries. The sooner an injury site is treated, the better the outcome will be. Once the swelling comes down (with the help of cryotherapy and lymphatic drainage), massage can be used to help limit the build-up of scar tissue, increase the range of motion, and promote blood flow for faster healing. Some of the most effective techniques in combating new or old scar tissue are cross-fiber friction, isometric stretching, STR, and more.
With any injury, a good massage therapist will structure a treatment plan around the clients’ needs. In most cases, the first step will typically involve getting rid of inflammation and swelling through manual lymphatic drainage massage and cryotherapy. This will usually be followed by pain management. During and after the pain is under control the therapist will usually work on increasing range of motion, mobility, and strength while fighting or breaking down any scar tissue development. The exact execution of the treatment plan will vary depending on the response of the client’s body to each technique, the therapist’s experience, and preferred modalities, time limitations, and more.
https://emsom.edu/sport-massage-volleyball-athletes/
Massage is among the oldest of the healing arts. References to massage and its values go back to the beginnings of recorded history. Among the most widely recognized benefits of massage are:
•Improve your range of motion
•Release of stress
•Relieve your tired feet with Reflexology
• Release of emotional and physical tension
• Reduction or elimination of back pain
• Relief from sore muscles • Relaxation
• Increased energy
•Change in your nervous system- from sympathetic to parasympathetic
•Great for post and pre-sports events
•Ease medication dependence.
•Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
•Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
•Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
•Lessen depression and anxiety.
•Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue, and stretch marks.
•Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
•Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
•Reduce spasms and cramping.
•Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
•Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
•Relieve migraine pain.
•Blood pressure control •Infant growth
•Boosting immunity
•Cancer treatment
• Plus:
• Decrease in chronic pain and pain management
• Improved sleep • Greater mobility and flexibility
• Improved body and mind awareness
•Reduced fatigue Profound Effects In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak airflow.
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process. Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
more info @: https://volleycountry.com/blog/how-massage-can-help-players-after-a-volleyball-game https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/foam-roller.html
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.