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Pain Points – Dislocations Explained: Separating Fact From Fiction

Alex Kerslake

Alex Kerslake


A dislocation is when bones in a joint separate, and the bones are no longer in contact. There are many myths around dislocations, who do they affect more, what joints are affected most and many more. Lets delve into some of those myths and see if they’re fact or fiction.

Shin splints often result from a failure to warm up properly, a sudden increase in training mileage, or hyperpronated feet which can cause excessive strain on the tibia bone. This can lead to the muscle, tendons and bone tissue becoming overworked. Initial discomfort from small stress fractures occurs at the tibia. If not treated carefully and promptly this discomfort will only get worse, over extended periods, and begin to affect everyday life as well as when aggravated through sport.

1

You can ‘pop’ a dislocated joint back in yourself

Fact – Depending on which joint you dislocate, you can put the joint back in place, however, this can be dangerous and cause damage to nerves, blood vessels or ligaments. The safest thing to do is to get treated by medical professionals.

2

The older you are, the more likely you are to dislocate a joint

Fiction – This changes with gender, in males the most common age to dislocate is 16-25, this is contrary to females whose average age for dislocations is 61-70.

3

Gender affects your likelihood of dislocating a joint

Fact – A study looking at shoulder dislocations between a 20 year period (1995-2015) found that the incidence of injury in women was 15 people per 100,000 whereas with men, this increased to 40 people per 100,0001.

4

Once you dislocate a joint, it will never be stable again

Fiction – Depending on the severity and joint that has been dislocated, it may be more prone to repeat dislocations (shoulder). However, with proper treatment, rehab, and strengthening can restore stability and strength back to the joint.

5

Every joint has the same likelihood to be dislocated

Fiction – Joints all have different likelihoods of being dislocated. In a 2017 study it was found that the most common joint dislocated are shallower joints such as the shoulder (50.6%), followed by fingers (10.1%). Whereas the much deeper joints such as the hip (7.3%) and the elbow (6.5%)2 are much less likely to dislocate.

6

Once you dislocate a joint, it will never be stable again

Fact – subluxations are a less severe version of a dislocation. Often referred to as a partial dislocation, this is where the bones are not completely separated with the bones being partially connected.


If you have continued trouble following a dislocation, we would be happy to provide an assessment for you – please book an initial consultation.


Alex Kerslake

Post By

Alex Kerslake

I’ve spent the past decade in a gym environment, learning a variety of training approaches and methods. From beginners in their first lifting session, getting to grips with the fundamentals – through to professional athletes, such as England Rugby players, training at a very high level.
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