A dislocated elbow is a painful injury where the arm bones are partially or completely forced out of alignment from the joint. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment post-elbow dislocation aims to:
The elbow is a stable structure due to the support of the bones and joint from ligaments, tendons, muscle and tissue. As the elbow is one of the body’s most mobile joints, it is prone to dislocation. Dislocations can either be partial (subluxation) or complete separation (luxation) from the joint, and can be further classified as:
If the dislocation causes damage to nearby structures, it may affect recovery periods and the chance of re-injury.
The cause of a dislocated elbow can vary. Strong force is required to completely separate the bone from nearby structures, hence affecting the degree of dislocation.
Some common factors which can trigger a dislocation include:
Highly active individuals, as well as males in their teens-20s are most at risks of dislocating their elbow. Additionally, toddlers are also prone to elbow dislocations, mainly due to improper pulling or lifting of the child’s arm which pulls the bones out of the joint.
If you have dislocated your elbow, it is important to seek out immediate medical treatment. You will likely be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury. It is important to have a trained professional “pop” your elbow back in to minimise risk of damage to the surrounding structures.
Physical therapy is highly beneficial in rehabilitating the structures around the elbow joint after a dislocation to increase range of movement and prevent recurrence. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces, slings or straps.
Are you in pain caused by a dislocated elbow? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
