Subluxation vs. Dislocation: What’s the Difference and How Can Physical Therapy Help?

If you’ve ever heard someone say they “popped their shoulder out” or “partially dislocated a joint,” they might be referring to either a dislocation or a subluxation—two injuries that are often confused but very different in severity, treatment, and recovery.

Understanding the difference between these conditions is important not only for your own health but also for knowing when to seek professional care. In both cases, an Idaho Falls physical therapist can play a vital role in helping patients recover strength, stability, and confidence after injury.

What Is a Dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when the bones that make up a joint are completely forced out of alignment. This injury most commonly affects joints like the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, and fingers.

Common Causes:

• Traumatic injuries (e.g., car accidents, falls, sports collisions)
  
  
• Sudden impact or force
  
  
• Hyperextension of a limb
  
  

Symptoms:

• Visible deformity at the joint
  
  
• Severe pain and swelling
  
  
• Inability to move the joint
  
  
• Bruising or discoloration
  
  
• Tingling or numbness (if nerves are involved)
  
  

Immediate Treatment:

A dislocated joint should be relocated (put back in place) by a trained medical professional, often in an emergency or urgent care setting. Self-correction is dangerous and can damage nearby nerves, ligaments, or blood vessels.

Once the joint is stabilized, a referral to an Idaho Falls physical therapist is often the next step to restore movement, reduce pain, and strengthen the joint to prevent future dislocations.

What Is a Subluxation?

A subluxation is a partial dislocation—meaning the joint briefly slips out of place and then moves back into position on its own or with minor assistance. It’s less severe than a full dislocation but still a cause for concern.

Common Causes:

• Ligament laxity or loose joints (common in athletes or hypermobile individuals)
  
  
• Repetitive strain or overuse
  
  
• Minor trauma or awkward movements
  
  
• Neurological conditions such as stroke (especially shoulder subluxation)
  
  

Symptoms:

• A sensation that the joint “slipped” or “popped”
  
  
• Mild to moderate pain
  
  
• Feeling of instability or weakness
  
  
• Swelling or inflammation
  
  
• Reduced range of motion
  
  

Subluxations may occur frequently in people with chronic joint instability, and over time, they can damage soft tissues if left untreated.

Key Differences Between Dislocation and Subluxation

Feature	Dislocation	Subluxation
Joint Position	Fully out of the socket	Partially out, often returns on its own
Pain Level	Severe	Mild to moderate
Deformity	Often visible	Usually not visible
Emergency Care	Typically required	Often not required, but still serious
Common in	Trauma, contact sports	Repetitive motion, joint laxity

How an Idaho Falls Physical Therapist Can Help

Whether you’ve suffered a full dislocation or are dealing with repeated subluxations, working with an Idaho Falls physical therapist can make a huge difference in your recovery and long-term joint health.

1. Restoring Range of Motion

After a joint has been injured, especially in the shoulder or knee, stiffness can set in quickly. A physical therapist will guide you through safe, progressive stretching techniques to restore normal mobility.

2. Strengthening Supporting Muscles

Weak or imbalanced muscles around a joint can make it more likely to dislocate or sublux. Your therapist will design a customized strengthening program targeting the rotator cuff, glutes, core, or other stabilizing muscle groups depending on the affected joint.

3. Improving Joint Stability

Balance, proprioception, and neuromuscular control are key elements in preventing future joint issues. An Idaho Falls physical therapist will use advanced methods—like resistance bands, stability balls, and functional movement drills—to help your body protect itself from reinjury.

4. Education and Prevention

Therapists don’t just treat injuries—they teach you how to prevent them. You’ll learn proper body mechanics, warm-up routines, and lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of another dislocation or subluxation.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

If you’ve experienced a dislocation, your doctor will likely recommend Idaho Falls physical therapy after the initial healing phase. But even if you’ve “only” had a subluxation, don’t wait for things to get worse. Frequent subluxations can lead to chronic pain, instability, and long-term joint damage.

Booking an evaluation with an Idaho Falls physical therapist is a smart first step toward healing—and a proactive way to stay active and injury-free.

Idaho Falls Physical Therapy

Dislocations and subluxations are both joint injuries that need attention, but they vary in severity and treatment. A dislocation is a full separation of the joint that often needs emergency care, while a subluxation is a partial dislocation that may slip back into place on its own—but still requires rehab to prevent recurrence.

No matter which you’re dealing with, a trusted Idaho Falls physical therapist can help guide your recovery, reduce your pain, and improve the way your body moves and feels.