The AC joint is located at the far end of collarbone where it meets with a part of your shoulder blade known as the acromion. If you run your fingers across the collarbone to the end, you will feel a small bump. This is where the AC joint sits. If this is tender immediately after a fall onto the tip of your shoulder or from a sporting collision, there may be some suspicion that you have injured your AC joint.
Symptoms:
· Pain located at the top of your shoulder.
· Swelling and tenderness locally at the AC joint.
· Difficulty with lifting your arm, especially across body.
· Visible bump (often in higher-grade injuries).
Assessment and Diagnosis:
During the initial session, the physiotherapist will assess the patient's shoulder by discussing their history, symptoms, and functional limitations, followed by a physical examination.
· Shoulder Range of Movement Testing
· Palpation
· Special Tests
- Crossover Test
- O’Briens Test
- Resisted AC Joint Extension Test
· Referral for Imaging (if suspected higher grade injury)
Treatment and Management:
Based on the findings, the physiotherapist has identified the problem being the AC joint. The physiotherapist will set treatment goals in collaboration with the patient and develop an individualised treatment and management plan to improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery to return back to what the patient enjoys most.
· Most injuries are treated without surgery.
· Highly dependent on assessment, but can include:
- Sling for comfort
- Movement based exercises
- Progressive strengthening
- Return-to-sport rehabilitation
Physiotherapy Role:
· Reduce pain.
· Restore shoulder movement and control.
· Build shoulder strength and target specific deficits based on the assessment.
· Guidance in return to work or goals.
Final Message:
AC joints usually recover very well with appropriate rehabilitation and early physiotherapy intervention. If you would like help with your shoulder pain, please call 9313 3414 or book online now!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone Number: 9313 3414
This blog is written by Mathew Piccoli, Senior Physiotherapist at Back In Motion Como
References:
Olsen, B., & Gregory, B. (2023). Diagnosis and nonoperative treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries in athletes and guide for return to play. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 42(4), 573-
587. https://www.sportsmed.theclinics.com/article/S0278-5919(23)00055-8/abstract
Peebles, L. A., Akamefula, R. A., Kraeutler, M. J., & Mulcahey., M. K. (2023). Management of acromioclavicular joint injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 42(4), 539-556.
https://www.sportsmed.theclinics.com/article/S0278-5919(23)00053-4/abstract