Are you experiencing shoulder pain and discomfort? It could be caused by an AC joint strain, which occurs when the acromioclavicular joint in your shoulder is damaged. This condition can range from a mild strain to a severe injury that requires surgery. The good news is that there are ways to treat AC joint strain through physiotherapy and chiropractic care. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different treatments for AC joint strain and help you find the best course of action to get your shoulder back to functioning normally.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for aiding in the natural healing of AC joint strain. This type of treatment focuses on restoring function and mobility to the affected area. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a rehabilitation program that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the AC joint and improve range of motion. They may also use manual treatments like massage and joint mobilization to reduce pain and inflammation. The timeline for recovery will depend on the severity of the injury, but most patients see improvements within a few weeks.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care can also be great for treating AC joint strain. A chiropractor will perform an assessment to determine the extent of the injury and develop a treatment plan that includes adjustments, mobilizations and soft tissue treatments. Chiropractic adjustments work to realign the shoulder and improve range of motion. Soft tissue treatments like massage and myofascial release can help reduce inflammation and pain. Chiropractic care is a noninvasive approach to treating AC joint strain and typically takes a few sessions to achieve results.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged AC joint. This is usually only necessary if the joint is completely separated or if conservative treatment methods have been unsuccessful. Surgery involves removing the damaged end of the collarbone and reattaching any torn ligaments. Recovery from surgery can take several months and will require physiotherapy to strengthen the shoulder and improve range of motion.
Rest and Ice: Along with physiotherapy and chiropractic care, rest and ice can also be effective treatments for AC joint strain. Resting the shoulder can help prevent further damage and reduce inflammation. Ice packs can be applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain. It’s important to avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort, as this can prolong the healing process.
Lifestyle Changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent AC joint strain from happening in the first place. One of the most common causes of AC joint strain is poor posture and repetitive movements. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day and take frequent breaks if you work in a job that requires repetitive movements. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder with exercises like resistance training can also help prevent AC joint strain from occurring.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and discomfort due to an AC joint strain, there are a range of treatment options available to you. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are non-invasive and effective ways to restore function to your shoulder. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases, but rest and ice can also be helpful for reducing inflammation and pain. Making lifestyle changes can also help prevent AC joint strain from occurring. As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment option is right for you.
