Joint Dislocation Massage

A Joint Dislocation Massage is a rehabilitative therapy applied only after a joint has been medically reduced and healed enough to tolerate gentle bodywork. The main goals are managing soft tissue pain, reducing edema, breaking adhesions, and restoring mobility and proprioception in the affected area. Massage never replaces reduction—acute dislocations must be managed medically first.​

Signs & Symptoms

  • Sudden, severe pain, swelling, and obvious joint deformity following trauma

  • Inability to move or bear weight on the joint

  • Bruising, local tenderness, and muscle spasm around the region

  • Decreased range of motion and strength after reduction

  • Chronic instability, weakness, and possible atrophy if immobilized for long periods.​

Contraindications

  • Absolutely contraindicated during the acute stage before medical reduction or if joint is still unstable

  • Avoid on-site work, deep tissue, or aggressive stretching in acute/subacute phases or if surgical repair is recent​

  • No massage over open wounds, fresh bruising, acute hematoma, or suspected fracture

  • No joint play in the range the injury occurred or if the joint is unstable​

  • Friction massage contraindicated with anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants, active infection, or DVT.​

Assessment

  • Review injury history, treatment (reduction, surgery, immobilization), and healing stage

  • Palpate gently for edema, muscle tone, bruising, trigger points, and adhesions near the joint

  • Assess pain-free range of motion, function, and muscular strength in the region

  • Check for compensatory movement, joint instability, and proprioceptive deficits

  • Confirm readiness for massage with the treating physician or physiotherapist.​

Treatment

  • Acute phase: manual lymphatic drainage, ice application, elevation; limit work to proximal/distal muscles for circulation​

  • Early subacute: gentle effleurage, petrissage, trigger point work on muscles referring to the joint, mild passive ROM to non-affected joints​

  • Late subacute: on-site work (vibration, stroking, gentle kneading), gradual friction, and removal of adhesions; address proximal/distal tissue health​

  • Chronic: cross-fiber frictions for matured adhesions, deep muscle stripping, active-assisted ROM, cautious joint play (never in injured range), and strengthening of surrounding muscles​

  • Always avoid forceful techniques and respect pain response and stability during sessions.​

Self Care

  • Hydrotherapy based on healing stage: ice early, heat or contrast for chronic edema, always as directed​

  • Gentle self-massage and stretching to muscles crossing the joint (once safe)

  • Isometric and isotonic strengthening for muscles stabilizing the joint; avoid full range in injured direction until cleared​

  • Taping or bracing for support of unstable joints during activity​

  • Gradual return to mobility, balance, and proprioceptive exercises with healthcare supervision