Shoulder physioTherapy

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR (AC) JOINT TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’ve injured or are experiencing pain in the tip of your shoulder, especially when arm is used overhead, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

Within 24 hours Urgent Care Required

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Sling initially followed by gentle ROM with taping and protective exercises.

WHAT IS ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT?

Your collarbone and shoulder blade articulate together at the acromioclavicular joint, and the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments help stabilise the joint. These ligaments are susceptible to injury and, when sprained or torn, can cause the joint to separate.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries can be caused by trauma or through overuse. This injury is common in contact sports like rugby and AFL, and can be caused from a blow to the tip of the shoulder in a tackle or a shoulder charge. Chronic overuse pain is common for people who complete a lot of pressing movements with their shoulder, for example people who complete a lot of bench pressing in the gym.

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of AC joint injury can vary. Commonly, people will have pain at the tip of their shoulder, and in the muscles that connect the shoulder to the neck like the upper trapezius. Pain is made worse with overhead use of your arm, reaching your arm across your body and the joint can feel unstable in this position. In severe AC joint dislocations, people will develop a ‘step deformity’ which looks like a prominent lump in the tip of the shoulder where the collar bone ends.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT TREATMENT

Accurate and early diagnosis is key in the treatment of this injury. For severe injuries, some people will require surgery to reattach and stabilise the collar bone to the shoulder blade, followed by rehabilitation with your Physiotherapist, Hand Therapist.

Conservative Management

If you don’t require surgery, we treat AC joint injuries by reducing any deforming forces being put through the joint with taping and hands on treatments, followed by a rigorous and specific strengthening routine to promote stability of the joint.

Surgical Approach

If surgery is required to stabilise the collarbone to your shoulder blade, there will be a period where you will require a sling and keep the arm supported to take tension off the joint.

Action Rehab Treatment

Pain often limits our ability to move freely and, as a result, can lead to compensatory movements, weakness and functional deficits. Therefore, your rehabilitation program should be tailored to you, considering your symptoms, movement patterns, strength and goals.

Whether you are opting for conservative or surgical management, we help guide you through your rehabilitation to provide pain relief, increase your range of movement and ultimately restore your strength and improve stability through the shoulder. Our Physiotherapists at Action Rehab can work with you to get you back to what you enjoy doing most.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT

Acromioclavicular Joint is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right therapist starts with them being able to read your X-rays, clinical assessment to determine the appropriate treatment.

The therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing and reading X-rays. Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your acromioclavicular Joint treatment.

Known for providing treatment for acromioclavicular Joint and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT FAQS

How common is acromioclavicular joint?

Acromioclavicular Joint is a common sports related injury usually after a fall landing on the tip of your shoulder. However, there can be also chronic acromioclavicular issues relating to overhead and overuse. Our therapists at Action Rehab are experts assessing and treating upper limb injuries.

How is acromioclavicular joint caused?

Acromioclavicular (AC) injuries commonly occur when you fall directly onto your shoulder with your arm close to or crossed over your body. It can happen in while playing sport (tackling in football, stacking it off a snowboard) or from larger accidents such as falling off your bike and car accidents.

How long does it take to recover?

Acromioclavicular joint injuries generally take about 6-8 weeks to recover but is also dependent on the severity of the injury. In some instances, a surgical input is required.

Will it require surgery?

Depending on the severity of your acromioclavicular joint injury, it may require surgery.

Is it a serious condition?

Acromioclavicular Joint injuries can be a seriously painful condition and can get in the way of you completing your normal activities of daily living.

Will it go away if left untreated?

While most of the pain can get better initially with some rest, a delay in treatment can lead to poorer outcomes and difficulty restore range of motion. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce complications such as further acromioclavicular joint separation/displacement, reducing the risk of arthritis and damage to nearby structures eg rotator cuff muscles.