If you have recently suffered from an AC joint sprain you might be wondering if the pain persists even when you’re at rest. The answer to this question is yes an AC joint sprain can indeed cause discomfort even when you’re not making any movements. Some people even experience AC joint sprain pain at night. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into this issue and offer some helpful tips for managing the pain.
Firstly, it’s important to understand what an AC joint sprain is. This type of injury happens when the ligaments around the acromioclavicular (AC) joint get stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling and decreased mobility in the shoulder area. Your AC joint sprain can cause constant pain, but also, when you’re at rest, the weight of your shoulder can put pressure on the affected joint causing pain. Additionally, as your body works to heal the injury inflammation can set in and cause discomfort even when you’re not moving around. It is important to know that you should not push through AC joint sprains as it can make the injury worse.
So, how can you manage the pain of an AC joint sprain when you’re at rest? One helpful strategy is to use ice to help reduce inflammation and numb the area. You could try using a gel ice pack or simply wrap a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply it to your shoulder for about 20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be helpful for managing pain while you’re at rest.
Another important factor in managing AC joint sprain pain is proper positioning. Try to find a comfortable position for your arm that doesn’t put too much pressure on the joint. For some people this might mean sleeping propped up with pillows or using a sling during the day. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor can offer guidance on the best positioning strategies for your individual case.
Physiotherapy exercises can also be helpful for managing AC joint sprain pain, even when you’re at rest. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the joint and promote healing. Your physiotherapist can provide specific exercises targeted to your injury and level of mobility.
Finally, remember to give your body time to heal. It’s natural to want to get back to your regular routine as quickly as possible but rushing the recovery process can actually cause more harm than good. By taking the time to rest and properly care for your injury, you’ll be setting yourself up for a full and speedy recovery.
In summary, an AC joint sprain can indeed cause pain even when you’re at rest. However, there are several strategies you can use to manage this discomfort, including icing, medication, positioning, physiotherapy exercises, and giving yourself time to heal. By working with a physiotherapist in Kitchener Waterloo at CARESPACE and taking a proactive approach to your recovery, you’ll be on the road to feeling better and getting back to your normal routine.
