Acromioclavicular (AC) joint strain/subluxation
The AC joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula). A strain, separation or subluxation of this joint occurs when the ligaments holding the joint together are partially or completely torn and the outer end of the clavicle may slip out of place.
What causes AC joint strain/subluxation?
Often this injury is caused by a blow to the shoulder or falling on to an outstretched arm. Commonly this happens during contact sport or road traffic accident.
What are the symptoms/effects of AC joint strain/subluxation?
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Shoulder pain or tenderness
- A bump in the middle of the top of the shoulder (over the AC joint)
- Limited shoulder range of movement
Physiotherapy treatment for AC joint strain/subluxation
Initially this type of injury is usually treated conservatively with rest and wearing a sling.
After an appropriate period of rest our physiotherapists will initially assess your current symptoms and pain, shoulder range of movement, strength and function in order to develop a specific treatment program tailored around your specific needs and goals. We will guide and support you through a structured exercise programme with the aim of achieving pre-injury levels of function.
Most injuries of this kind heal within 2-3 months without further intervention. However, if the ligaments are severely torn then surgical intervention may be required to hold the clavicle in place. It may be that your Doctor wishes to see if conservative treatment works first before deciding whether surgery is required.
