AC joint sprain or acromioclavicular joint sprain is a common sports injury that could happen to anyone who is participating in physical activity. It is a painful injury that affects the ligaments surrounding the AC joint in the shoulder. The injury can range from mild to severe, and it could impact your daily activities and quality of life. If you’re dealing with an AC joint sprain, seeking treatment is vital to ensure you don’t make the injury worse and help you get back to your daily activities. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to treat AC joint sprain.
Rest: One of the first things you should do if you have an AC joint sprain is to rest. Avoid putting any weight on your shoulder and try to avoid activities that cause pain. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Resting is usually the first step in treating mild to moderate AC joint sprains before adopting other treatment methods.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is an effective way to treat AC joint sprain as it helps to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility in the shoulder. A physiotherapist can provide exercises that help to reduce stiffness in the shoulder, promote healing, and prevent future injuries. If your injury is more severe, your physiotherapist may also recommend a sling or brace to immobilize your shoulder.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care is another effective treatment option for AC joint sprain. Chiropractic adjustments involve manipulations to the spine and joints to help improve your body’s natural healing and alignment. Chiropractors can also provide advice on proper posture and exercises to help strengthen the affected area. By adjusting your body’s alignment, chiropractic care can reduce inflammation, relieve pain and support your body’s natural healing process.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area is an effective way to reduce inflammation and promote healing. You can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel and apply it to the shoulder for 10-15 minutes at a time. Ice therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with an AC joint sprain. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications to manage pain and inflammation.
In conclusion, AC joint sprain is a common injury that can cause pain and limit your daily activities. Seeking treatment of the injury is crucial to promote healing and prevent future injuries. Resting and icing the affected area, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and medication are among the best ways to treat AC joint sprain. By working with a healthcare professional, you can identify which treatment method is right for you and develop a plan to get you back on track and feeling your best.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
