Shoulder pain in volleyball: when strengthening is not enough | VolleyLand

If you play volleyball regularly, your shoulders are probably the most used joints in your body. Every spike, serve, block and even many defensive moves rely heavily on the shoulder. Over time, this constant load increases.

Even players who take good care of their bodies experience shoulder problems. They warm up well, strengthen their rotator cuff, stretch after training and yet sometimes the shoulder starts to hurt.

This is something I have seen many times during my playing career and now as a coach. Volleyball players can do a lot of prevention work, but because the shoulder is used hundreds of times a week, irritation can still occur.

The key is not to ignore the pain, but to manage the load smartly. In addition to strength and mobility work, a tool that can help during difficult periods is: shoulder brace.

A shoulder brace won’t magically solve shoulder pain, but it can provide additional support and allow players to continue training more comfortably while protecting the joint.

Why volleyball players often experience shoulder pain

Volleyball is one of the most demanding sports. Strikers often wave their arm hundreds of times a week between training and matches. Serves and spikes ensure very fast arm rotations and high forces in the shoulder joint.

Blocking also places the shoulder in an overhead position, requiring the joint to remain stable while reacting quickly to the opponent’s attack.

Due to this constant repetition, many players experience shoulder fatigue, post-workout soreness, or soreness during spikes and serves. Sometimes the shoulder just needs some extra support during heavy training periods.

A shoulder brace can help by providing compression, improving joint stability and reducing unnecessary movements that can irritate the tendons.

Advice 1: Use the brace during training with high loads

A shoulder brace does not have to be worn all day. It is most useful at times when the shoulder experiences the highest stress.

Think of hard attack exercises, tournaments with multiple matches in one day or training with a lot of serves and peaks.

During these sessions, the brace can help stabilize the shoulder and reduce irritation. Many players find that they feel more confident when swinging their arm because the shoulder feels more supported.

It should be seen as extra protection during demanding sessions, and not as something you have to wear constantly.

Advice 2: Choose a brace that allows full movement

Volleyball players need full arm mobility. A brace should not restrict the ability to spike, serve or block naturally.

Some braces are designed for severe injuries and restrict movement too much. These are usually intended for rehabilitation after surgery.

For volleyball, it is better to choose a brace that provides compression and light stabilization while still allowing full overhead movement. You should be able to swing your arm naturally without changing your hitting technique.

If the brace feels too stiff or changes your swing mechanics, it is probably not the right brace for volleyball.

Advice 3: Combine the brace with shoulder care

A brace should never replace good shoulder training. It should just support the work you’re already doing to keep your shoulders healthy.

Continue to strengthen the rotator cuff, work on shoulder blade stability and warm up properly before training. Mobility exercises and stretching after exercise are also important.

The brace simply reduces the burden on the shoulder during intense periods, while your muscles continue to build strength and stability.

Think of it as a small safety buffer that helps your shoulder handle the high demands of volleyball.

Final thoughts

Volleyball puts enormous pressure on the shoulder joint. Even players who follow good prevention routines sometimes experience soreness during the season.

Using a shoulder brace can be a practical way to support the joint during heavy loads and reduce discomfort during training and competition.

It will not replace good technique, strengthening and recovery, but if used correctly it can help players stay on the pitch longer and train with more confidence.

For volleyball players who attack and serve hundreds of times a week, a little extra support can sometimes make a big difference. 🏐