Separation of the acromio-clavicular joint
The acromio-clavicular joint is the bony bit on top of the shoulder.
What causes the separation of the acromio-clavicular joint?
You can cause injury to this joint as a result of falling on your shoulder, elbow or an outstretched arm
What are the symptoms of the separation of the acromio-clavicular joint?
Symptoms include pain at the end of the collar bone or when you move your shoulder joint, especially with the arms above your shoulders. You may also feel a little bony lump where the collar bone sticks up. This is dependent on how severe the injury is.
What treatment can you have for the separation of the acromio-clavicular joint?
Things you can do yourself
- Rest
- Cold therapy: Put a cold pack (typically an ice pack applied for 20 minutes) directly on the injury
- Thermotherapy: Apply heat (typically in the form of heated pads, warms packs or lamps) to the areas of the body causing pain. NB. Often Cold therapy and Thermotherapy are alternated, with the cold application happening first.
- As it gets less painful, you should work on mobility exercises for the shoulder
Rehabilitation treatment
Professionals may tape your collar bone into place so it heels properly. Your collar bone will remain strapped for around two to three weeks. Please be aware that if this injury is neglected and allowed to heal out of place, then the result could be increased wear and tear on your joint causing future problems.
After your shoulder has been immobilised for a few weeks you may be advised to get further treatment such as physiotherapy.