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When the bone in one of our joints slips out of its usual spot, we refer to it as a joint dislocation. The most common type of dislocation is at the shoulder, because it is a part of the body that is often used during physical activity. It is common to see athletes experience a shoulder dislocation if they are hit in a certain way. However, dislocations can happen in other joints too – such as our hip. If a dislocation has occurred, it should be treated as a serious issue, because a bone in your body is no longer in the right position.
Similar to shoulder dislocations, a dislocation of the hip will occur if some type of uneven impact occurs in the area. If you fall or are hit in a way that results in a serious impact on the hip, the bone may move in an unexpected way – resulting in a dislocation. Someone who is older and more prone to falls is at a much higher risk of experiencing a dislocation.
Treatments for a Dislocation
The most common types of treatments for a hip dislocation include:
- repositioning
- immobilization
- medication
- rehabilitation
When the joint is repositioned, a doctor will determine if you are strong enough to go back to your life, or whether you need to immobilize the area for some time. Medication may also be recommended to help with the healing process. But the most important aspect of a dislocation is often the rehab, because it is how your body will get stronger to prevent such issues in the future.
Recovery Exercises
There are several exercises that may be recommended during your rehabilitation from a dislocation of the hip.
These are a great way to strengthen your hip. The abductions are not hard to perform, as you only need to stand behind a strong chair, hold onto its back with both of your hands, and slowly lift the injured leg sideways, away from your body. Ensure your knee is straight and maintain the position for a few seconds. Come back to the regular spot, and repeat the procedure ten times. Work at it for three sets, but spread them out during the day.
Use a sturdy chair again, and hold onto it with your hands. Your body should face the chair, and then you will slowly lift the injured leg off the floor. Bend your knee, lift your leg closer to your upper body, but keep it below waist level. Keep the position for a few seconds, come back to your standing position, and repeat ten times. Do this exercise three or four times each day.
You can perform these on land or in a swimming pool, depending on how strong you are feeling. Use either a chair or the side of a pool to maintain your balance. Hold onto that object with your unaffected side’s hand, lift the impacted leg and swing it forward. Keep that position for five seconds, and then swing your leg backwards. Then come back to the original spot and repeat the exercise ten times.