AC Separation

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain with any shoulder motion.
• The pain decreased by having the injured arm supported by the other arm.
• A lump is sometimes seen on top of the shoulder and is painful to the touch.
• In severe injuries, the arm and hand can feel cold or numb.

Injury Description:

• Often occurs after falling and landing on your shoulder on an outstretched hand.
• The clavicle (collar bone) is forced away from the shoulder blade stretching or tearing the ligaments that hold the bones together.
• Differs from a shoulder dislocation in which the humerus (upper arm) comes out of the glenoid fossa (shoulder socket).

What Can I Do?

• Early physical therapy treatment significantly speeds recovery to allow for a quicker return to full activity.
• Rest and putting the arm in a sling allows the tissues to rest.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) and ice help reduce the inflammation and pain in the shoulder.
• Begin range of motion and strengthening activities as soon as they are tolerable.
• If symptoms persist consult your physician, surgery may be necessary.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.

For more information about AC Separation check out this link:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/shoulder-pain/ac-joint-sprain

Click Here to learn stretches and exercises for your upper body.