Active individuals or those playing contact sports may experience an AC joint injury at some point. The acromioclavicular joint, also called the AC joint, is found at the top of the shoulder blade, or scapula. Injuries of the AC joint may occasionally require more than ice and rest. For moderate to severe injuries, physical therapy and rehab may prove effective and help you to strengthen and stabilize your shoulder and improve its range of motion.
Definition
The top of the shoulder blade is called the acromion, and it connects to the collarbone or clavicle to form the AC joint. The thick pad of cartilage that cushions the inside and also wraps each end of the bones of the joint is called the meniscus. The most common injury in the AC region is the separation or dislocation of the meniscus from the acromion, the clavicle, or the actual AC joint caused by a direct fall onto the shoulder.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and rehabilitation for an injured AC joint may begin after swelling and discomfort has subsided, or when your doctor gives you the green light. Injury to the AC joint may require a one to eight week healing period, depending on the severity of the injury, where the injury is located, or if surgical repair is required. Following initial treatment by your doctor, you will see a physical therapist for treatment, especially if you have experienced a severe injury.
Range of Motion
Range of motion exercise helps restore flexibility, stability and motion to the injured shoulder. Start your shoulder rehab with range of motion exercises as suggested by your physical therapist. For example, hold onto a table or chair with your uninjured arm and lean forward so that your injured arm hangs toward the floor. Slowly make clockwise and counterclockwise circles with your arm, starting with small circles and generally widening the circles as your arm and shoulder grow stronger. Practice 10 swings in each direction, or repeat as directed by your physical therapist.
Isometric Press
Stand with your body facing a doorjamb. Align the shoulder of your injured side with the doorjamb. Bend the elbow of the arm on the injured side, make a fist and press the palm side of your fist against the outside edge of the doorjamb at waist level, forearm perpendicular to the floor. Press inward against the doorjamb. Gradually increase pressure and then release. Repeat as directed by your therapist.
Exercise Band Abduction
An exercise band can be used to help you perform outward rotation of the shoulder during rehab. Tie an exercise band to a stationary object on the good side of your body at waist level. Grasp the end of the band, and keep the elbow on the injured side bent and tucked closely into your waist. Keeping your forearm parallel to the floor, extend your arm away from your body in an abduction exercise that will strengthen the entire shoulder, rotator cuff and AC joint tendons and ligaments. Return to your starting position and repeat as directed.
