SEPARATED SHOULDER / ACROMIOCLAVICULAR (A/C) JOINT SPRAIN
Acromioclavicular A/C Joint Sprain or Separated Shoulder injury occurs when the ligaments between/underneath the top of the shoulder become damaged in some way. The ligaments, acromioclavicular ligament, coracoclavicular ligament and coracoacromial ligament work together to stabilise the joint/shoulder during movement. When damaged, the patient may experience pain at the end of the clavicle or collar bone. Separated shoulder pain can feel like it travels over the shoulder down the upper arm/deltoid region. Any movement of the arm above the shoulder would elicit pain over the affected area. Depending on the severity of the shoulder separation injury a sulcus sign (dip at the end of the collar bone) maybe visible. This may indicate a tear of the ligaments and would require a full examination. Often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand (Foosh), bench pressing, awkward lifting technique etc. Arthritis sufferers commonly present at some point with A/C joint sprain as they typically have reduced motion of the shoulder blade, thoracic spine and cervical spine. This requires excessive effort from the shoulder joint leading to injury of the A/C joint ligaments.
WHAT PRACTITIONER AT THE AARK CLINIC SHOULD I SEE?
We recommend you see an Osteopath. The focus of an Osteopath is to improve the overall shoulder/thoracic mechanics to allow optimal transference of forces across as many joints/muscles as possible. This way the A/C joint is not loaded unnecessarily. The Aark Clinic Osteopath Lloyd Tilney, will discuss and detail a customised treatment plan in order to rehabilitate you as soon as possible.