An AC joint strain is a common injury that can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder when it’s not managed properly. The good news is, physiotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of an AC joint strain, as well as provide advice on how to manage your condition going forward. Let’s take a look at what causes an AC joint strain and how physiotherapy can help.
What is an AC Joint Strain?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located between the ends of your collarbone (clavicle) and the topmost point of your shoulder blade (acromion). This area can be strained due to overuse or trauma to the area such as heavy lifting or a fall onto your outstretched arm. Symptoms of this type of strain include pain at the front or back of the shoulder, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving your arm up or down.
How Can Physiotherapy Help AC Joint Strains?
Physiotherapists will assess you for any range-of-motion restrictions and provide hands-on treatments to reduce pain and inflammation around the joint. They will also use manual therapy techniques to gently mobilize the joint, helping you regain full mobility in that area. Your physiotherapist may also teach you exercises designed to strengthen muscles surrounding the AC joint in order to reduce further risk of injury. Additionally, they may recommend using certain equipment such as taping or supports which can help protect against further damage while participating in activities that could cause irritation to the area.
In addition to hands-on treatment, a physiotherapist may advise lifestyle changes such as rest periods after exercise or sports activities; they may also offer guidance on posture correction if necessary. In some cases, they may refer you for further assessment with other medical professionals such as orthopedic surgeons – but this depends on the severity and other factors unique to each individual case.
If you are suffering from an AC joint strain then physiotherapy should be considered as part of your rehabilitation plan. A qualified physiotherapist will assess you and determine which treatment options are best suited for your specific situation; they will then work with you individually to ensure that you receive appropriate care tailored specifically toward reducing symptoms associated with an AC joint strain. With their help, you should be able to make a full recovery in no time.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself. Eric Bowman, BSc, MSPT, PT, or one of the other physiotherapists at CARESPACE Health+Wellness in Kitchener and Waterloo. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
