Treatment is typically an arm sling, bed rest, ice and heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most people recover full motion of the shoulder and arm within 6 to 8 weeks, often with the assistance of physiotherapy. Type III – Both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn.

How do you treat AC joint separation?

Treatment is typically an arm sling, bed rest, ice and heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most people recover full motion of the shoulder and arm within 6 to 8 weeks, often with the assistance of physiotherapy. Type III – Both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn.

What is the fastest way to heal an AC joint?

Treatment for AC joint sprain

  1. Rest. This allows your shoulder to heal.
  2. Sling. This protects the shoulder and holds the joint in a good position for healing.
  3. Cold packs. These help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
  4. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines.
  5. Arm and shoulder exercises.

Can a separated AC joint heal without surgery?

Thanks to recent strides in healthcare and science, Stem Cell Therapy is more effective than ever at treating a variety of joint injuries, including AC joint separation. The procedure is simple and non-surgical, involving nothing more than a single in-office injection.

Can an AC joint repair itself?

Depending on how severe the injury is, it may heal adequately in two to three weeks. In severe cases, the shoulder may not heal without surgery.

Can you bench press with an AC joint injury?

AC joint injuries are caused by repetitive trauma, falls on the shoulder joint or certain weightlifting exercises. But you don’t have to abandon your weightlifting program. Simply modify your technique and avoid the exercises that cause discomfort. Avoid full range of motion barbell or dumbbell bench presses.

Can I workout with AC joint injury?

Range-of-motion exercises are recommended as soon as they can be tolerated. Range-of-motion exercises — Range-of-motion exercises are recommended early in the recovery period.

How long does it take for a separated AC joint to heal?

Most people recover from a shoulder separation without surgery, within 2 to 12 weeks. You will be treated with ice, medicines, a sling, and then exercises as you continue to heal. Your recovery may be slower if you have: Arthritis in your shoulder joint.

How long does it take for a Grade 3 AC joint separation to heal?

In most cases, the pain goes away almost completely within three weeks. Full recovery can take up to six weeks for grade two separations and up to 12 weeks for grade three separations. Since there is little danger of making the condition worse, you can usually do whatever activities you can tolerate.

How do you know if you tore your AC joint?

Symptoms of an AC joint injury

  1. Shoulder or arm pain.
  2. A visible bump, bruise, or swelling on your shoulder.
  3. Limited shoulder mobility.
  4. Weakness in your shoulder or arm.
  5. Pain when lying on the affected side.
  6. A popping sound when you move your shoulder.

What exercises can I do with AC joint injury?

AC joint sprain mobility exercises

  • Front shoulder stretch. Place one forearm on a fixed point such as a doorframe or corner of a wall and gently turn away from it to stretch the front of the shoulder.
  • External rotation stretch.
  • Internal Rotation.
  • External rotation.
  • Abduction/lateral raise.

How do I know if I tore my AC joint?

How painful is AC joint separation?

Most people with AC joint separation will experience pain at the top of the shoulder. This pain may be exacerbated when you move your arm overhead or sleep on the injured shoulder. You may also experience weakness or instability in the affected shoulder or arm as well as limited mobility.

What are the treatment options for AC joint dislocations?

Whereas the majority of AC joint dislocations can be treated nonoperatively with a trial of immobilization, pain medication, cryotherapy, and physiotherapy, there are patients that do not respond well to conservative management and may require surgical treatment.

How do you treat a type 1 AC joint injury?

Type I or II AC joint injury treatment. Treatments for type I and II injuries include: Icing the shoulder. Putting your arm in a sling to decrease motion. Taking NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to help with pain.

What is an AC joint injury?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint — along with ligaments — connects your collarbone and shoulder blade. An injury to to the AC joint is a shoulder separation. Types of AC joint injuries The type of shoulder separation depends on how much you tear the AC joint or coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments that hold the joint in place.

What are the treatment options for acromioclavicular joint injuries?

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury Treatment Goals and Options. The main goals of treatment for an AC joint injury are to manage pain and allow the torn ligaments to heal. Treatments for type I and II injuries include: Icing the shoulder.