​Shoulder injuries, especially those affecting the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, are common in athletes and active individuals. In this guide, we’ll cover what the AC joint is, how injuries occur, and why physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery.

​

What is an AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint?

The AC joint connects your collarbone (clavicle) to the highest point of your shoulder blade (acromion). This joint is crucial for shoulder movement, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm. It is held together by ligaments that stabilize the joint during motion (Harris et al., 2021; Mazzocca et al., 2021).

​

How Does an AC Joint Injury Happen?

AC joint injuries often occur due to a direct blow to the shoulder, such as falling on it or colliding with another person. These injuries are especially common in contact sports like rugby or football. The injury can range from a mild sprain to a full separation of the joint, where the ligaments are torn, and the collarbone is displaced (Weber et al., 2021). Studies have shown that AC joint injuries make up a significant portion of shoulder injuries in athletes (Harris et al., 2021).

​

Common Symptoms of an AC Joint Injury

You might suspect an AC joint injury if you notice:

• Shoulder pain, especially at the top of the shoulder.

• Swelling and tenderness around the joint.

• Difficulty lifting your arm or reaching across your body.

• A noticeable bump on top of the shoulder where the shoulder meets the collar bone

• Sharp pain with lifting heavy objects above your head 

A medical examination, including tests like X-rays, is often necessary to confirm the extent of the injury (Weber et al., 2021).

​

How Can You Treat an AC Joint Injury?

The treatment of an AC joint injury depends on its severity:

• Rest and Ice: For minor injuries, rest and icing the shoulder can reduce pain and swelling.

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.

• Sling Support: A sling might be recommended to immobilize the joint during the healing process.

• Surgery: Severe injuries, such as a complete joint separation, might require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the joint (Harris et al., 2021). However, research shows that even severe cases often recover well with conservative treatment, depending on the individual's activity level (Mazzocca et al., 2021).

​

The Role of Physiotherapy in Recovery

Physiotherapy is crucial for a successful recovery, whether you have surgery or opt for conservative treatment. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to restore your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. Studies have found that rehabilitation focused on shoulder stability can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic pain or dysfunction (Harris et al., 2021).

Incorporating physiotherapy early can also prevent long-term complications, such as scapular dyskinesia or muscle weakness. If you're dealing with an AC joint injury, physiotherapy is one of the best ways to regain function and get back to your normal activities (Weber et al., 2021).

​

​

​

​

 

References

• Harris, J. D., Wessel, R., & McCulloch, P. C. (2021). Management of acromioclavicular injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 30(5), 1073-1081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.030

• Mazzocca, A. D., Spang, J. T., & Romeo, A. A. (2021). Acromioclavicular joint injuries in athletes: Current treatment concepts. Sports Health, 13(2), 145-152. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120978411

• Weber, S. C., Wienke, B., & Gil, J. (2021). Conservative and surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries: An evidence-based review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 9(6), 232596712110130. https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671211013012