What is a dislocation?

What is a dislocation?

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Dislocation refers to the displacement of a part, usually the boney partners within a joint, causing the articulating surfaces to move out of their normal positions. It implies complete loss of joint integrity. In simpler terms, it is when the bones that usually come together to form a joint lose their proper alignment and separate from each other. Dislocations can occur at various joints in the body, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and fingers. Often significant damage on the surrounding structures also occurs with this type of injury.

Common symptoms of a dislocation

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The signs and symptoms of a dislocation may include:

1. Severe Pain and Tenderness: Dislocations typically cause intense localized, aching pain and tenderness at the affected joint.
2. Deformity: The joint may look visibly deformed or out of place compared to its normal appearance.
3. Swelling: Dislocations are often accompanied by swelling and bruising around the joint.
4. Limited Range of Motion: The injured joint may have limited movement or be completely immobile.
5. Numbness or Tingling: Nerves near the dislocated joint may be compressed, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling in the affected area.
6. Instability: After a dislocation, the joint may feel unstable and give way during movement.

What causes a dislocation?

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Dislocations are usually caused by some form of trauma or forceful impact to the joint. Common causes of dislocation include:

1. Falls: A fall onto an outstretched hand or a hard impact on a joint can result in a dislocation.
2. Sports Injuries: Contact sports or activities that involve sudden movements and collisions can lead to joint dislocations.
3. Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents or other types of accidents can cause joint dislocations.
4. Congenital or Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to certain joint instability, making them more prone to dislocations. Congenital dislocations are most frequently seen at the hip joints such as; congenital hip dysplasia/developmental dysplasia of the hip wherein the hip joints are not properly formed.

How can physical therapy help? 

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Physical therapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation and recovery process after a dislocation. A physical therapist can provide specialized interventions to help restore strength, stability, and function to the affected joint and surrounding muscles. Here's how physical therapy can help with dislocation:

1. Initial Evaluation: A physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the extent of the injury, identify any associated soft tissue damage or fractures, and determine the integrity of the surrounding muscles, joint's stability and range of motion.
2. Pain Management: Physical therapists can use various modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the early stages of recovery.
3. Immobilization and Protection: In the initial healing phase, a physical therapist may recommend using a sling, brace, splint, or cast to immobilize the joint and protect it from further injury.
4. Range of Motion Exercises: As healing progresses, gentle range of motion exercises such as passive and active range of motion with or without assistance are prescribed to prevent joint stiffness and improve flexibility. During the immobilization period, gentle muscle setting exercise may also be prescribed to stimulate muscle contraction and blood flow to the affected area without provoking pain.
5. Strengthening Exercises: Physical therapists design a customized strengthening program to target the muscles around the affected joint. Initially, low-load resistance exercises are prescribed and will progress to a more challenging level as the joint tissue tolerance improves. Strengthening these muscles can help provide better support to the joint, improve muscular endurance and prevent future dislocations.
6. Joint Stabilization: Proprioception and balance training exercises are some of the important components of rehabilitation programs for joint dislocation. It can improve joint stability, reduce the risk of re-injury, and enhance overall joint function.
7. Functional Training: As healing progresses, physical therapists focus on functional training to gradually prepare the joints and muscles for specific tasks. They utilize exercises that replicate the demand and repetitions of daily activities, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. This helps individuals return to their regular activities with proper techniques and reduced risk of re-injury.
8. Education: Physical therapists educate patients about joint dislocation, its symptoms, causes and the importance of patient adherence to the program. They also teach methods of modifying activities of daily living, proper body mechanics, joint protection strategies, and techniques to prevent re-dislocation and improve overall joint health.
9. Home Exercise Program: To facilitate ongoing progress, physical therapists often provide patients with a home exercise program to reinforce the intervention and promote optimal recovery. 
10. Manual Therapy: In some cases, physical therapists may use manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization to improve joint mobility, reduce scar tissue, and promote healing in the affected area.

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The rehabilitation program is tailored to the individual's specific needs, the type and location of the dislocation, and their overall health status.

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It's essential to begin physical therapy as soon as the medical team deems it safe to do so after a dislocation. Early intervention can prevent joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and joint instability, leading to a better recovery outcome. Working with a qualified physical therapist can help individuals regain strength, mobility, and function in the affected joint and minimize the risk of future dislocations.

Trust PeteHealth for recovery from a dislocation

Looking for a physical therapist to help you recover from a dislocation? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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