When is physiotherapy recommended for patellar dislocation?

A dislocated kneecap can stretch tissues around the knee and make the leg feel weak or unreliable. Early rehabilitation often focuses on swelling control, comfortable movement, and restoring the ability to tighten the thigh muscle. Later work may target hip and knee strength, alignment, coordination, and confidence during stairs or sport. The pace depends on associated bone or cartilage injury, recurrent instability, pain, and the advice of the treating clinician.

Attend follow-up after the dislocation, even if the kneecap moved back into place. Use any brace, crutches, or activity restrictions as directed. Begin only the exercises provided for your stage; avoid twisting, pivoting, jumping, and sudden direction changes until control has returned. Tell the physiotherapist if the knee slips, catches, swells after exercise, or feels unsafe, because these details may change the programme.

Seek urgent assessment if the kneecap remains out of position, the leg looks deformed, you cannot bear weight, or the foot becomes numb, cold, or unusually pale. Prompt review is also needed for rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain after a new episode.

Ask whether there is cartilage or bone damage, how long to use support, which movements to avoid, and what milestones indicate readiness for work or sport.