I have a knee that had dislocated and then popped back into place yesterday after a short and awkward fall. I was wondering if I could get any advice on how to treat it so that I can heal it effectively and get back to training.

-Thanks
Sid

You need medical attention immediately. Rest it, use ice packs as often as possible, and get to a doctor as soon as is humanly possible- go today, go right now. In fact, go to the emergency room of your local hospital, say it just happened and get an MRI/X-ray and appropriate treatment.
The clock is ticking.....

The first time that this happened was after an strange foot maneuver I did in the clinch. That time, it did not pop back into place. My sifu fixed it and it just took a couple of weeks for the swelling to go down, followed by about a month of physical therapy with my sifu. Early on, the first time this happened, I did get an MRI and they said it was just bruised with alot of fluid on the knee. Basically, nothing.

This wasn't as bad as the first time and I don't trust western medicine with their cutting knives and poking needles. I'm at a crossroads of sorts.

OK, i am going to give it you straight here- i would not go to my doctor for Martaila arts training, and I would not go to my MA instructor for medical treatment- I dont care how much they command respect, not how good they are- they are martial artists, NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.

You got your sifu to relocate you patella last time, then you relied on him to rehabilitate it. now it has gone again.
What do you deduce from this? That maybe he is not the man to heal it perchance?

I am not qualified to teach martail arts, but i am a fully qualified sports therapist who was registered on the GP referal scheme in the UK for 9 years, and I can tell you that you need an accurate scan of the damage incurred on THIS occasion, and from there, you need to undergo proper physiotherapy with a qualified medical professional.
There is simply no other valid way forward for you now.

Every time a joint dislocates or sublicates, the ligaments stretch/break and the stability reduces, making re occurence more and more likely. Its a viscious circle if not dealt with properly. At best, specific strengthening of the leg muscles, along with certain drills to strengthen lateral stability are what you need- and you will need to do them for the rest of your life.
At worst, you are looking at surgery to repair ligaments.

Dont leave your future mobility in the hands of a well meaning amateur- this is real life, and the knee is the most complex joint in the entire body (its a modified hinge). Specialists devote their entire careers to the knee- there is that much to know about it. Your Sifu is simply not up to the task.

This happening again was my stupidity. I wish that I could say that it was my bodies fault, but it is simply the result of my doing something foolish combined with not keeping up with the exercises needed to strengthen my legs.

I will go and see my family doctor. I was really doing great and was in good shape until this happened. I'm simply trying to find the fastest way back to my previous state.

You need to be really careful. The relocation of a joint can be just as traumatic as the dislocation. Most doctors recommend surgical relocation instead of just "popping" it back in place.

It is down right negligent for anyone to pop things back together for you and send you on your way.

If this is happening often you could have a torn meniscus or other ligaments that have structurally weakened your knee. I'm not being dramatic here in telling you that if you don't get it looked at by a doctor soon, your next "slip" could be the last time you ever do martial arts in your life.

I had a broken hip several years ago and didn't know it... played judo on it for almost a year. Now, I have a 1/4" gap between the hip bone and the hip socket that shouldn't be there, so the bone slips in and out. It's causing lower back problems and has practically killed my ability to do any type of weight work.

Get your bones to the doctor and don't worry about "getting back to where you were". Get things fixed first, then have the other conversation with yourself. Once you have permanant damage, you'll never get there.

Don't count on the doctor for training tips and don't count on your sensei for medical advice... right on, Cord.

Thanks, everybody, for your advice. I really appreciate it.