Subluxation: What It Is and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Reviewed by the Physiotherapy Team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre 

A subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint, meaning the bones of a joint move out of their normal position but do not completely separate. Subluxations can occur in many joints throughout the body, including the shoulder, kneecap (patella), fingers, and spine. They can cause pain, feelings of instability, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities.

Early assessment and treatment are important because recurrent subluxations can increase the risk of chronic pain, joint instability, and future injuries. 

What Causes a Subluxation? 

A subluxation can happen suddenly following an injury or develop gradually due to repeated stress on a joint. Common causes include: 

• Sports injuries or falls 

• A direct blow to a joint 

• Repetitive overhead activities 

• Joint hypermobility or ligament laxity 

• Previous dislocations or subluxations 

• Weakness of the muscles that support the joint

The shoulder is one of the most commonly affected joints because it has a large range of motion and relies heavily on muscles and ligaments for stability. 

Who is at Risk? 

Certain factors can increase your risk of experiencing a subluxation, including: 

• Participation in contact or overhead sports 

• Previous joint injuries 

• Generalized joint hypermobility 

• Poor muscular control around a joint 

• Younger age and high activity levels 

• Connective tissue disorders that affect ligament stability

  
  

Common Symptoms 

Symptoms of a subluxation can vary depending on the joint involved but often include: 

• Sudden pain at the time of injury 

• A sensation that the joint is “slipping” or “giving way” 

• Swelling and tenderness 

• Reduced range of motion 

• Weakness or difficulty using the affected limb 

• Apprehension or fear of moving the joint in certain positions 

Some people may also notice recurrent episodes of instability, especially after a previous injury. 

How Can Physiotherapy Help? 

Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovering from a subluxation and preventing future episodes. Treatment is individualized based on the joint involved and the severity of the injury. 

Your physiotherapy program may include: 

• Pain and swelling management 

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises 

• Progressive strengthening of the muscles that support the joint 

• Proprioception and balance training to improve joint awareness 

• Sport-specific or activity-specific rehabilitation 

• Education on movement strategies and injury prevention 

For shoulder and kneecap subluxations in particular, strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving movement control can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. 

Healing and Recovery Timeline 

Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, the joint involved, and whether there is damage to surrounding tissues such as ligaments or cartilage. 

General recovery timelines include: 

• Mild subluxations: 2-6 weeks 

• Moderate injuries with ligament involvement: 6-12 weeks 

• Recurrent or more complex cases: Several months of rehabilitation 

Some individuals recover fully with conservative treatment, while others with repeated instability may require surgical consultation, followed by several months of rehabilitation.

When Should You Seek Treatment? 

You should seek medical attention if you experience: 

• A joint that feels unstable or repeatedly slips out of place 

• Persistent pain or swelling after an injury 

• Difficulty returning to normal activities 

• Recurrent episodes of giving way or weakness 

If you are experiencing symptoms of a subluxation, the team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre can help with a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan to get you back to doing the activities you enjoy.