
AC joint strain, also known as Acromioclavicular joint strain can be an extremely painful condition. The AC joint is a joint in the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It is common in athletes, people who do manual labor and those who have been in accidents. The good news is that there are several effective treatment options available. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to treat AC joint strain.
Rest: Rest is the most important thing you can do to help your AC joint strain naturally heal. Avoid activities that aggravate your injury and give your joint time to heal. This means avoiding any heavy lifting or contact sports that put strain on your joint. You may need to wear a sling to immobilize your arm and allow your joint to rest. The length of rest time needed will depend on the severity of your strain.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can be very helpful for fixing an AC joint strain. A good physiotherapist will design an exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your joint improving your range of motion and reducing pain and inflammation. They may also use manual techniques or modalities such as ultrasound to speed up the healing process.
Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can also be an effective treatment for AC joint strain. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to manipulate and adjust the spine and joints, which can help to realign your joint and relieve pain. They may also use soft tissue techniques or provide advice on exercises to help speed up your recovery.
Ice and heat treatments: Ice and heat treatment can also be effective for reducing pain and inflammation. Ice can help to numb the area and reduce swelling, while heat can help to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. You can alternate between ice and heat, starting with ice for the first 48-72 hours then moving onto heat.
Medication: Pain medication can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be helpful, while prescription medication may be required for more severe pain.
AC joint strain can be a painful condition, but there are several effective treatment options available. Rest is the most important thing you can do, while physiotherapy, chiropractic care, ice and heat and medication can all be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation, and speeding up your recovery. Be sure to speak to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment options, and follow their advice to ensure the best possible outcome.