What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with dislocations?

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with dislocations?

Most dislocations heal completely. They start to feel better as soon as a doctor puts the joint back in place.

Recovery times vary based on the severity of the dislocation and the joint affected. A dislocated finger may feel back to normal in three weeks. However, a hip dislocation could take several months or longer to heal.

People who dislocate their knee or shoulder are more likely to dislocate those joints again because the surrounding tissues have stretched. Wearing protective gear such as a brace during physical activity can reduce the risk of another dislocation.