AC Joint Injury Treatment
Did you know that ongoing AC Joint dysfunction from a lack of correct diagnosis and rehabilitation can lead to chronic shoulder pain and poor sporting function?
Yes, AC Joint injuries are often missed in hospital emergency departments after clavicle fractures and shoulder dislocations are ruled out. Those with AC Joint injuries are often provided with a sling and discharged to manage their condition on their own, which can lead to inadequate AC Joint injury treatment.
Ensure your diagnosis is the correct one with the Perth Shoulder Physio experts. Because diagnosing AC Joint injuries (Acromioclavicular Joint injuries) and providing AC Joint injury treatment is one of the main things we do, you can count on us for correct diagnosis.
Book an appointment with Perth Shoulder Physio for optimal diagnosis and treatment of your AC Joint injury.
Note: This page contains general advice on AC Joint injuries, which is intended for general education. Book an appointment with Perth Shoulder Physio for more specific information about AC Joint injury treatment.
What is the AC (acromioclavicular) joint?
The AC joint or acromioclavicular joint is a small joint between the acromion of the shoulder blade and the collarbone. It forms an important link between the arm and the skeleton and plays an important role when elevating the arm.
The AC Joint has a capsule and small AC Joint ligament, which provide stability. Although the AC Joint ligaments are relatively weak, there are also two much stronger ligaments that attach the clavicle to a different point on the shoulder blade called the coracoid.
These ligaments are termed the conoid and trapezoid ligaments and are collectively known as the coracoclavicular ligaments. They hold the clavicle in place and prevent it from being displaced upward.
What causes AC Joint injuries?
Traumatic AC Joint injuries are most commonly caused by a direct impact to the shoulder, but can also occur due to a fall on an outstretched hand or elbow.
AC Joint injuries are common among cyclists after falls from their bike and in contact sports such as rugby and football after tackles or collisions.
There are different grades of AC join injuries too.
Let’s explore these now:
- Grade 1 AC Joint Injury
Minor damage of the AC Joint ligaments without damage to the coracoclavicular ligaments. There is no displacement of the clavicle in a grade 1 AC Joint injury.
- Grade 2 AC Joint Injury
Damage of the AC Joint ligaments as well as the coracoclavicular ligaments. There may be slight upward displacement of the clavicle in a grade 2 AC Joint injury.
- Grade 3 AC Joint Injury
Rupture to the AC Joint ligaments and the coracoclavicular ligaments. There is significant upward translation of the clavicle leading to a step deformity in a grade 3 AC Joint injury.
- Grade 4 and above
AC Joint Injuries can be considered variations of a grade 3 AC Joint injury and usually require surgery.
What are the symptoms of an AC Joint injury?
Acute (just after the injury) AC Joint Injury Symptoms
The pain is localized but may extend upward into the neck or down into the front of the shoulder. Depending of the severity of the AC Joint injury, there may be swelling and/or a bump at the end of the clavicle. There is usually an inability to raise the arm above shoulder height due to pain.
Semi-Acute (weeks following the injury) AC Joint Injury Symptoms
- Pain on palpation of the AC Joint
- Pain with elevation of the arm above shoulder height, sometimes only at the end of range
- Pain with reaching across the body and behind the body
- Pain and weakness when pushing weight and carrying significant weight, e.g., push ups, bench press, shoulder press, chin ups.
How are AC Joint Injuries treated?
This section includes general advice on AC Joint injury treatment that may benefit you.
Please see the experts at Perth Shoulder Physio to ensure you receive the optimal AC Joint treatment directed towards your individual circumstances.
Physiotherapy Treatment for AC Joint Injuries
Grade 1 AC Joint Injury Treatment:
- Sling or taping for comfort only
- Rest from aggravating activities
- Dry needling or massage to ease muscle tension and pain
- Gradually progressed strengthening exercises
- Personalized return to sport plan
Grade 2 and 3 AC Joint Injury Treatment:
- Sling for comfort and to allow soft tissue inflammation to settle
- Discussion regarding the benefits and risks of surgery. Please note that surgery must be performed in the first couple of weeks to ensure the best results (see below).
- Rest from aggravating activities
- Dry needling or massage to ease muscle tension and pain
- Gradually progressed strengthening exercises
- Graduated return to sport plan
Medical Treatment for AC Joint Injuries:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone injection into the AC Joint if inflammation persists
Surgical Management of AC Joint Injuries
Surgery involves realignment of the clavicle with the acromion. This is achieved with the use of a plate or sutures. The plate provides significant strength and support but it restricts joint movement and must be removed after a short period of time. The sutures are more vulnerable to failure but don’t restrict range of motion and don’t need to be removed.
Perth Shoulder Physio can discuss your surgical options and recommend the top shoulder surgeons in Perth if required.
Get your AC Joint functioning as it should be
Fed up of AC joint pain?
The right advice and treatment from the right Perth Should Physio can help.
Book an appointment today to discover how and get your AC functioning as it should be.