Injuries are known for being painful, both at the time and often throughout recovery. However very few compare to dislocations – the pain at the time of injury, the pain through recovery and the extreme chance of reoccurrence.
Why are dislocation injuries so painful?
Dislocation injuries involve a bone leaving the socket or casing of its joint. During the process of this, often the force causes damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles because they are moved so far outside their usual movement allowance dictated by the joint. Some dislocation injuries also cause nerves to become trapped or damaged, this can result in lifelong issues with nerve pain or inactivity.
Why can the recovery of dislocation injuries take so long?
Recovery for dislocation injuries is often extended due to the complexity of the damage, and the requirements for progressive movement in order to help the joint and surrounding areas return to normal. Some tissues (for example ligaments and tendons) also receive very little blood flow, so this can prolong the healing process as well. Your physiotherapist should be heavily involved throughout the recovery phase of this, to ensure that whilst healing is taking place that your joint is recovering back into normal movement patterns.
Why is the chance of another dislocation in the same area so likely?
Unfortunately, the chance of dislocating the same area is increased due to the damage caused by the force of the injury. This means that tissue such as ligaments and tendons are quite tough, and when stretched through injury often stay “longer” than they should be for the joint, making it easier for the limb to be dislocated again. If any surrounding muscles were injured, sometimes the scar tissue can be quite tough and less flexible than normal muscle fibres, this can also make it easier to tear.
How can my physio help?
Your physiotherapist is fundamental to the healing and recovery process. Every situation and injury is individual, this is why it is so important that your physiotherapist guides you every step of the way. They can help in a range of ways, through minimising swelling and scar tissue building, to supporting you in strengthening and rehabilitating the injured area.
How can I avoid a dislocation injury?
Although dislocation injuries can’t be completely prevented, there is plenty you can do to help lower your chances of incurring one.
> Wear protective equipment
> Ensure the proper (and safe) techniques and skills are learned before entering game situations
> Warm up, stretching and cool down that relates directly to the activity you are engaging in
> Working on strength and flexibility, especially on weaker area points
Rehabilitation after a dislocation injury is crucial from day one. Trust Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy to work with you, and for you, to get you back on your feet when it counts the most. We take a holistic approach, and work alongside you every step of the way to make it as hassle-free as possible! Contact the practice for an assessment today on (02) 4721 7798, email info@progressiverehab.com.au or book your appointment online today, here.
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.