Physical therapist seeing more 'overuse injuries' in high school sports like volleyball

VALLEY VIEW, Ohio - Physical therapist and volleyball coach, Kelly Fieseler, said she's seeing more and more 'overuse injuries' in younger patients.

"An overuse injury is an injury that occurs when a muscle group has been used repeatedly," Fieseler said.

She explained with volleyball players, almost all the activity involves the arms: hitting, setting, and hand passing. These forceful movements she said can result in wear and tear on the muscles.

"If you don't take care of it when they're younger, they will continue to have issues until it becomes a serious issue as an adult," Fieseler said.

"The seasons for specific sports are becoming longer, the competition is becoming more intense, and kids are choosing to play one sport to become the best at that sport, at a much earlier age than they used to."

She recommends working on different muscle groups to prevent injuries. Also, stretching and strengthening the core help.

Fieseler said if your teen athlete complains of having the same pain for more than a week, you need to be especially concerned.