How do you rehab a patellar dislocation?
Treatment. Physical therapy treatment for a dislocated patella can begin after the initial evaluation. Common physical therapy treatments may include modalities to control pain and swelling, treatments to improve muscle contraction and function around the patella, and gait training to improve walking.
How can I strengthen my knee after patellar dislocation?
Pull your ankle towards you and push your knees against the bed or floor tensing your thigh muscles. Hold for 5 seconds before relaxing. Complete the exercise until the thigh muscle fatigues. Resting on your bed or sitting in a chair, bend the affected leg as far as possible, hold for a few seconds and relax.
Should I bend my knee after dislocation?
Before returning to sports or strenuous activity, your injured leg should be as strong as your uninjured leg. You should also be able to: Run and jump on your injured leg without pain. Fully straighten and bend your injured knee without pain.
Will my knee ever be the same after dislocation?
Most people who dislocate their kneecap will not dislocate it again. But in some people it can keep happening. This often happens if the tissues that support the kneecap are weak or loose, such as in people with hypermobile joints, or because the groove in the bone beneath the kneecap is too shallow or uneven.
When can I bend my knee after patellar dislocation?
After a dislocation, the knee is immobilized for four to six weeks. After a subluxation, motion is resumed when the pain decreases enough to make it tolerable. Generally, most people can begin range of motion and strengthening exercises within a week after a subluxation.
How long is physical therapy for a dislocated knee?
Usually, you will be asked to try a well-supervised rehabilitation program for between six weeks for a subluxation and up to six months for a dislocation. In most cases, you will need to continue the exercises you learn in physical therapy for your entire life.
Can I sleep on my side after knee dislocation?
Sleeping on the side can be painful because the leg is not straight enough. However, gradually, you can start sleeping on your side as the knee heals. But avoid sleeping on the operative side at all costs, as it puts a lot of pressure on the surgery site.
How long do you have to wear a knee brace after dislocation?
You will need extensive rehabilitation to recover after surgery for a dislocated knee. Rehabilitation generally includes wearing a hinged knee brace for at least six weeks. You will need to use crutches and gradually return to full weight bearing over several months.