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Will You Have AC Joint Strain for the Rest of Your Life?

Will You Have AC Joint Strain for the Rest of Your Life?
Will You Have AC Joint Strain for the Rest of Your Life?

If you’ve recently experienced an AC joint strain, you may be wondering if this injury will have a lasting impact on your life. AC joint strains can be painful and debilitating, but with the right treatment and care, you can recover fully. In this blog post, we’ll explore what an AC joint strain is, how it is typically treated by chiropractors and physiotherapists, and whether or not you will have to deal with this injury for the rest of your life.

An AC joint strain occurs when the ligaments that hold the acromioclavicular (AC) joint together are stretched or torn. This usually happens as a result of a sudden impact or fall onto the shoulder. Symptoms of an AC joint strain include pain at the top of the shoulder near the collarbone, swelling, limited range of motion, and tenderness when touching the affected area.

When it comes to treating an AC joint strain, both chiropractors and physiotherapists can play a crucial role in helping you recover. Chiropractors may use manual manipulation techniques to realign the joints and reduce pain. They may also recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint to prevent future injuries. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, focuses on rehabilitation exercises to improve range of motion and reduce pain. They may also use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help with healing.

While AC joint strains can be constantly painful and take time to heal, they do not typically have long-term effects if treated properly. Some AC joint strains hurt at night so it is important to get professional help if it is affecting your sleep quality. With proper rest, physical therapy, and possibly chiropractic care, most people can fully recover from an AC joint strain without any lasting consequences. However, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery.

In some cases where an AC joint strain is severe or does not respond well to conservative treatments like chiropractic care or physiotherapy, surgery may be necessary. Surgery for an AC joint strain involves repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligaments in order to stabilize the joint. While surgery may be required in some cases, it is generally considered a last resort after conservative treatments have been exhausted.

In conclusion, having an AC joint strain does not mean that you will have to live with this injury for the rest of your life. With proper treatment from healthcare providers such as chiropractors and physiotherapists, most people can fully recover from an AC joint strain without any long-term consequences. If you are experiencing symptoms of an AC joint strain, seek out professional help as soon as possible to start your journey towards recovery so you can live a long life after an AC joint strain. Remember that taking care of your body now can prevent future injuries down the road.

About the Author

Sakshi Rupani is a Physiotherapist in Ontario, Canada.