If you happen to play volleyball repeatedly, your shoulders are in all probability probably the most used joints in your physique. Each spike, serve, block and even many defensive actions rely closely on the shoulder. Over time, this fixed load provides up.
Even gamers who deal with their our bodies expertise shoulder issues. They heat up correctly, strengthen their rotator cuff, stretch after follow and nonetheless the shoulder typically begins to harm.
That is one thing I’ve seen many instances throughout my taking part in profession and now additionally as a coach. Volleyball gamers can do lots of prevention work, however as a result of the shoulder is used tons of of instances each week, irritation can nonetheless seem.
The secret’s to not ignore the ache however to handle the load well. Moreover strengthening and mobility work, one device that may assist throughout troublesome durations is a shoulder brace.
A shoulder brace is not going to magically repair shoulder ache, however it could possibly present further assist and assist gamers proceed coaching extra comfortably whereas defending the joint.
Why Volleyball Gamers Usually Expertise Shoulder Ache
Volleyball is likely one of the most shoulder-demanding sports activities. Attackers typically swing their arm tons of of instances each week between practices and matches. Serves and spikes create very quick arm rotations and excessive forces within the shoulder joint.
Blocking additionally locations the shoulder in an overhead place the place the joint should keep secure whereas reacting shortly to the opponent’s assault.
Due to this fixed repetition, many gamers expertise shoulder fatigue, soreness after coaching or ache throughout spikes and serves. Typically the shoulder merely wants a little bit further assist throughout heavy coaching durations.
A shoulder brace will help by offering compression, bettering joint stability and lowering pointless motion that may irritate tendons.
Recommendation 1: Use the Brace Throughout Excessive-Load Coaching
A shoulder brace doesn’t have to be worn all day. It’s most helpful through the moments when the shoulder experiences the very best stress.
This consists of laborious attacking practices, tournaments with a number of matches in a day or coaching classes with many serves and spikes.
Throughout these classes the brace will help stabilize the shoulder and cut back irritation. Many gamers discover that they really feel extra assured when swinging their arm as a result of the shoulder feels extra supported.
It ought to be considered as further safety throughout demanding classes relatively than one thing you need to put on consistently.
Recommendation 2: Select a Brace That Permits Full Motion
Volleyball gamers want full arm mobility. A brace mustn’t restrict the power to spike, serve or block naturally.
Some braces are designed for severe accidents and limit motion an excessive amount of. These are often meant for rehabilitation after surgical procedure.
For volleyball it’s higher to decide on a brace that gives compression and lightweight stabilization whereas nonetheless permitting full overhead motion. It’s best to be capable of swing your arm naturally with out altering your hitting approach.
If the brace feels too stiff or adjustments your swing mechanics, it’s in all probability not the best one for volleyball.
Recommendation 3: Mix the Brace With Shoulder Care
A brace ought to by no means change correct shoulder coaching. It ought to solely assist the work you already do to maintain your shoulders wholesome.
Proceed strengthening the rotator cuff, engaged on scapular stability and doing a correct warm-up earlier than coaching. Mobility workouts and stretching after follow are additionally vital.
The brace merely reduces the load on the shoulder throughout intense durations whereas your muscle groups proceed to construct power and stability.
Consider it as a small security buffer that helps your shoulder deal with the excessive calls for of volleyball.
Last Ideas
Volleyball places monumental stress on the shoulder joint. Even gamers who observe good prevention routines typically expertise ache through the season.
Utilizing a shoulder brace is usually a sensible technique to assist the joint throughout heavy workloads and cut back discomfort throughout coaching and matches.
It is not going to change good approach, strengthening and restoration, however when used accurately it could possibly assist gamers keep on the courtroom longer and prepare with better confidence.
For volleyball gamers who assault and serve tons of of instances each week, typically a little bit further assist could make a giant distinction. 🏐