Any injury can be a source of discomfort and distress especially when it limits your physical activities and affects your daily routine. One such injury is an acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain which affects the joint connecting the collarbone and the shoulder blade. If you’ve been suffering from this condition, you might be wondering whether it’s advisable to push through the pain and continue with your regular workout routine or take a break and let the injury heal. Let’s explore this issue further.
First off, it’s important to understand that an AC joint sprain can vary in severity, from a mild sprain to a complete tear. This injury is typically caused by a fall or direct impact to the shoulder, such as in sports like football or volleyball. The symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. You may also experience AC joint sprain pain at night. Some people can experience the pain of AC joint sprains constantly, while others experience the pain associated with AC joint sprains when resting.
If your case is mild, you might be able to continue with your exercises, albeit with some modifications and precautions. For instance, you might need to avoid any movements that involve lifting heavy weights or putting too much strain on the shoulder joint. Instead, you can focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that target the surrounding muscles, such as the rotator cuff and the scapular stabilizers.
However, if you have a moderate to severe AC joint sprain, it’s generally not recommended to push through the pain. Doing so can worsen the injury and delay the healing process, leading to more complications down the line. In this case, you might need to take a break from your regular workouts and rest the affected joint until the pain subsides.
Depending on the severity of your injury, your healthcare provider might prescribe you some painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage your symptoms. They might also recommend some physiotherapy exercises to help restore the flexibility and strength of the affected joint. In some cases, you might need to wear a sling or brace to immobilize the shoulder and prevent further damage.
As for the question of whether to seek the services of a physiotherapist or chiropractor, it’s ultimately up to your personal preference and healthcare provider’s recommendation. Both physiotherapists and chiropractors specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries and can offer various modalities of treatment, such as manual therapy, massage, exercise prescription, and more.
In conclusion, it’s important to listen to your body and be mindful of your limitations when dealing with an AC joint sprain. While it might be tempting to push through the pain and resume your regular workout routine, doing so can exacerbate the injury and delay the recovery process. It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider, follow their instructions for rest and rehabilitation, and seek professional help if necessary. With the right treatment and care, you can overcome an AC joint sprain and regain your strength and mobility 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, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
