Elbow Dislocation

Editor: Dr. Amy Spencer, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS, CKTP - A Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Certified Manual Therapist. Owner and Physical Therapist, Specialized Physical Therapy in North Reading, MA.

The elbow is dislocated if the joint surfaces of your elbow separate. An elbow dislocation can be a complete of partial dislocation. The joint surfaces are completely separated in a complete dislocation, but only partially separated in a partial dislocation. If you have a complete dislocation, your elbow joint will need to be reset and aligned. Elbow dislocations are the second most common dislocated joint in your body.

Symptoms of Elbow Dislocation:

If you dislocate your elbow, you will experience intense pain and a noticeable deformity. The dislocation in your elbow will stop blood flow to your hand and resulting in an immediate loss of feeling or mobility in your hand and forearm.

Causes of Elbow Dislocation:

Falling and landing on an outstretched or extended arm can cause your elbow to dislocate. Car accidents and rough contact sports can result in elbow dislocation.

Treatment of Elbow Dislocation:

The first step is to reset the dislocation and immobilize it until it heals. Physical therapy will necessary to restore full range of motion and arm strength once the dislocation has healed. There will be stiffness is your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers because of the lack of movement. Physical therapy loosens the joint and increases blood flow. Manual therapy like neck, shoulder, arm, and wrist massages will also improve circulation and mobility. Another form of physical therapy that is quite effective is modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation. These are used to decrease swelling and pain in your forearm, elbow, wrist, hand, or shoulder. A physical therapist will also recommend specific exercises to improve your arm strength and regain full mobility.

Convenient Physical Therapy Clinic Location: North Reading, MA

Specialized Physical Therapy is conveniently located in North Reading, MA. We proudly serve residents in the neighboring communities including: Andover MA, Reading MA, North Andover MA, Wilmington MA, Boxford MA, Burlington MA, Woburn MA, Lynnfield MA, Melrose MA, Danvers MA, Middleton MA, Topsfield MA, Wakefield MA, and Methuen MA. We offer free and spacious parking located within a few steps away from our clinic’s door.

Schedule Your Appointment Today to Regain Freer Movement and Healthy Living!

Specialized Physical Therapy practices a comprehensive approach to total muscle, joint, and spine health. We are the preferred physical therapy clinic in Greater Boston, because we offer an extensive range of physical therapy services designed to restore your physical strength and mobility while reducing your pain. Our physical therapy clinic sets itself apart by:

• We have helped thousands of patients with low back pain, sciatica, disc bulge, shoulder pain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, hip pain, hip replacement, hip impingement, knee pain, knee replacement, ACL tears, MCL strains, LCL strains, ankle pain, and much more. Our Physical Therapy experts can help you with your range of motion, strength, balance, pain, injuries, and more. Call Now to take control of your health!
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• Treating one patient at a time in our private treatment room to make sure that you get the personalized care and attention you need.
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