Subluxation and dislocation

The case of subluxation

Subluxation is the incomplete version of dislocation pathology. The disorder occurs after a partial dislocation of the joint. It is a displacement of the bones that can make up a joint. As a result, the displacement ensures movement of the joint tissues resulting in pain.

The normal alignment of a joint is disturbed and requires natural alignment in order to regain its shape. The most affected people are those with fairly flexible periarticular tissues, i.e. “hyperlax”. Subluxation disorder affects all existing joints on the human body.

The case of dislocation

As for dislocation, this pathology is the full version of the later case. This is a total rupture of joint contact. The articular surfaces surrounding the bones where the bone is completely separated from each other. As in the case of subluxation, the disorder is favored by a failure in the ligaments called hyperlaxities. Other causes can also explain it such as excessive movements of the joint game. In most cases, a dislocation also causes a ligament tear since the loss of contact is total.

The following joints may be prone to these two pathologies of dislocation and subluxation:

• The elbow;
• The knee;
• The hip;
• The jaw;
• The finger.

The main symptoms of subluxation/dislocation

The first symptom is logical since it is the pain of one of the joints mentioned from the first affected. The pain is felt as soon as a simple touch or pressure occurs.

Daily movements become more and more troubled because of this pain. Indeed, a loss of mobility is noted because of the decrease in muscle strength.

Moreover, the subluxated or dislocated part is very often swollen and has a twisted or displaced shape.

The main reasons for subluxation/dislocation disorder

Subluxation/dislocation pathology can appear for multiple reasons. The reasons can be external and internal at the same time:

• The state of congenital tissue anomaly of the person results in a lack of flexibility at the level of the joint. The closest illustration is that of congenital dislocation of the hip that occurs from birth. The abnormality is found in the hip joints and causes lameness of walking as you grow. The femoral head happens to be out of the acetula. This malformation of the hip joint tissue stems from the family history of hip dislocation of the mother or father. It can also come from poor posture of the mother during pregnancy.
• The state of hyperlaxity is consistent with the patient’s discomfort. The periarticular tissue is very flexible and that a simple shock can destabilize its environment.
• Muscle fatigue and spasms can cause the muscle surface of the joint to move. The muscles are found to be used inappropriately and very strongly than usual.
• Neuromuscular diseases promote subluxation/dislocation over the loss of mobility they cause.

The ideal treatment for subluxation/dislocation pathology

Treatment must be done by medical consultation to have an effective result and adequate to the severity of the situation. More specifically, it will be necessary to consult a physiotherapist in case of appearance of the first symptoms. His advice focuses on reducing the risk of joint rupture in the future.

As the dislocated area is swollen and has disabling pain, the first treatments would focus on reducing inflammation. Then, the protection of the area is essential in order to avoid any kind of complications or aggravation of the disorder. Rough movements are strongly discouraged for quick relief.

Physio+ Hamel’s physiotherapists: the key reference!

Physio+ Hamel’s professionals will dedicate manual therapy sessions and other necessary techniques to manage your subluxation or dislocation disorder. They offer optimal and effective treatment.