If you have suffered a knee dislocation, you should consider physiotherapy. If you delay physiotherapy, you may face deformity and tissue atrophy. Surgery may be the only option if the knee is serious. If surgery is not an option, you will be sent to a physical therapist.
Knee dislocation physiotherapy involves treating a dislocated patella by restoring normal neuromuscular control, proprioception, and muscle strength. The goal of rehabilitation is to help an athlete return to sport. A physician can prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatories to treat pain. A physician can also prescribe exercises to help rehabilitate muscle strength.
Physiotherapy for a dislocated knee begins with a thorough assessment of the knee. A physical therapist will take measurements of the knee, gait, strength, and swelling. They may also examine the patella for mobility and motion. After the initial assessment, the physical therapist will begin the rehabilitation process. Common physical therapy treatments may include exercises to improve muscle function, pain management, and gait training.
Physical therapy is a vital component of the recovery process after patella dislocation. The goal is to maximize patella stability and minimize the risk of recurrent patella dislocation. This requires a combination of physical therapy and rest. Recovery time is usually six months to one year, but in some cases, more time may be needed.
Acute patellar dislocation is typically caused by a sudden force, such as a heavy fall or collision. It can also result from a sudden turn, which twists the knee. Athletes are particularly vulnerable to this condition because their movements often involve quick pivots.
In the first instance, non-operative treatment for a dislocated knee patella is often the best option. It generally involves a period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation. Acute surgical stabilization has no proven long-term benefits and is only recommended if the further injury is likely.
However, the effectiveness of non-operative treatment for a dislocated knee patella remains debated. A recent study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine compared the effectiveness of non-operative treatment with surgical treatment. The researchers looked at the outcomes of patients with previous lateral patellar dislocation and then evaluated the effectiveness of conservative non-surgical treatment.
Delayed knee dislocation physiotherapy has been linked with tissue atrophy, which is a degeneration of the muscles that surround the knee. This process can occur for several reasons, including inflammation, pain, or joint laxity. However, a progressive walking program can restore muscle strength and function.
The onset of muscle weakness can be subtle and go unnoticed, but as the wasting of the affected muscles progresses, these symptoms become more prominent.