Shoulder injuries often occur due to sudden movements or overuse. One common shoulder injury is the acromioclavicular (AC) joint strain. This occurs when the ligaments surrounding the AC joint become stretched or torn. Understanding if and when an AC joint strain is serious is imperative to effectively treat the injury and prevent further damage. In this post, we will discuss AC joint strain from two healthcare professionals’ perspectives: a physiotherapist and a chiropractor.
What is an AC Joint Strain?
The AC joint connects the shoulder blade and collarbone helping to stabilize your shoulder joint. An AC joint strain typically occurs due to a direct blow to the top of the shoulder or during a fall. Pain and tenderness in the area are common symptoms along with difficulty in moving the level of the shoulder which may cause the back to hunch over. Severe cases also experience a noticeable bump on the top of the shoulder.
When is an AC Joint Strain Serious?
An AC joint strain is considered serious when there is significant ligament damage or a complete separation of the joint. In serious cases, you may hear a “pop” or tearing sound at the time of injury, experience sharp pain, and swelling can occur. In severe cases, the bump on the top of the shoulder may increase in size and make shoulder movement painful. This can also manifest into constant pain related to the AC joint strain. In contrast, some people may only experience AC joint strain pain at night. Seeking medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor is essential as they can accurately diagnose the severity of the injury and provide effective treatment for the recovery.
How can a Physiotherapist Help?
A physiotherapist can help treat AC joint strain by recommending exercises that strengthen the shoulder muscles and protect the affected joint. They can also provide manual therapy to improve joint mobility, maintain proper mechanics, and prevent further damage. By analyzing your movements in sports, at work, and daily life, physiotherapists can help manage your injuries and improve your posture. With the help of a physiotherapist you won’t have to live with an AC joint strain.
How can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractors can help with AC joint strain by examining the biomechanics of the spinal area, neck, shoulder blade, and collarbone, and provide adjustments if necessary. These adjustments can help improve the range of motion, reduce pain and discomfort, and prevent further damage to the shoulder joint. Chiropractors can also recommend specific exercises to help with strengthening the shoulder joints and reducing the chances of future injuries.
Understanding when an AC joint strain is serious is essential to prevent further damage and promote healing. It’s imperative to seek medical attention from healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors, as they can accurately diagnose the severity of the injury and provide effective treatment. With proper care, most AC joint strains can recover quickly, and patients can go back to their daily activities without restrictions. With the right treatment plan in place you can live a long life after an AC joint strain. We hope this article has enlightened you on when an AC joint strain is considered serious and how healthcare professionals can help.
