![]() ![]() It’s important to start working on restoring movement as soon as possible following an AC joint injury. If you visited a doctor, pain medications would probably be recommended, but for this self-treatment guide, that’s under your own discretion. Ice is another good analgesic that will help with the swelling. But you want to ditch the sling as soon as tolerated. Most people don’t require the use of a sling, but if you are really struggling with pain, this may help in the initial few days. In the first few days, if you’re uncomfortable, try wearing a sling to ease some stress on the joint. Because you don’t want to live in misery, but it will also get you moving quicker, which is important to the recovery process. But if you’re ever in doubt, rest easy by seeing a doctor about your issue. If nothing turns up there’s a good chance you can manage this on your own. Click here to take the screen: Red Flag Screen. This is designed to identify things that need further medical evaluation. A quick run through our Red Flag Screen is a good start to pick these things out. If you suspect an AC separation start with a screen for more advanced issues. This is directed at Grade I and II tears, anything more severe get it checked out. More specifics on shoulder separation rehab use the following treatment guide as a tool. It’s a nice overview of the plan of attack, although the rehab for an AC Separation, depending on the severity your rehab may look slightly different from our normal 30 Day Fix. If you want a general understanding of the treatment approach to a shoulder problem then read The Approach to Shoulder Pain. These will need surgery and don’t fall into the scope of this article. They are more advanced medical cases or even sometimes medical emergencies. The later grades (IV-VI) are less common and much more severe and usually caused by major impacts like car accidents. Again, another reason to get medical help for these injuries. It may also need more intensive strengthening to make up for the loss in stability. The rehab process is like the grade I and II separations, yet may demand up to 3 months before a return to activities. The standard procedure is 3-weeks of rest and rehab and then consider surgery if there is little improvement. This makes a consult with an orthopedic specialist worthwhile to determine the best course of action.Īs mentioned, there isn’t a consensus on the best treatment for a Grade III separation. But individual factors such as goals, competitive level, and sports activities need to be weighed as well. So it’s logical to approach a grade III tear conservatively to avoid the expense and potential complications of surgery. Even with new surgical procedures, the outcomes are nearly identical with and without surgery. It’s a more complicated issue because there isn’t consensus within the medical community on the best way to manage a Grade III tear. These are easy to spot by a stair step that is formed over the shoulder. This causes a complete separation of the clavicle and shoulder. Grade III separations involve the tearing of the coracoclavicular ligaments as well. Grade II tears anywhere from 3-6 weeks.Grade I tears will need 1-2 weeks out of activity.They will return to normal within a few weeks to a couple of months with rest and exercise. While they are painful and may present with swelling and a bump over the shoulder, they most likely don’t need surgery. These are the most common tears and caused by either a partial or complete tear of the acromioclavicular ligament. There are six categories of shoulder separation based on the size, structures involved, and type of displacement, It’s the tearing or stretching of these ligaments that cause a shoulder separation. Notice the collection of ligaments that hold it all together. ![]() You’ve found your acromioclavicular joint, or better known as the AC joint. ![]() Start by locating your collar bone and then trace it to where it meets your shoulder. Before going any further, let’s identify what’s going on. ![]()
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