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 ❏Trauma like a blow to the point
Cause of your shoulder or a fall directly
on your shoulder
❏The fall injures the ligaments
that surround and stabilize the
AC joint
❏If the force is severe enough, the
ligaments attaching to the
underside of the clavicle are torn
❏Overuse like lifting heavy
weights can also result in an AC
sprain
Signs & Symptoms Signs:

❏ Involves stretching/spraining of the joint

covering (capsule),
❏ No damage to ligaments connecting the
shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone
(clavicle).
❏ May be swelling over the joint
❏ The bump is not permanent
❏ Pain typically lasts for 2-4 weeks
❏ Can be easily reaggravated.

Symptoms:

❏ Tenderness
❏ Discomfort while palpating and movement of
the joint
 It can take at least six weeks for the AC
ligaments to fully heal. During that time, it's
Treatment crucial to take the pressure off of the AC
joint to protect from overstretching the
immature scar tissue.

★ Wearing a sling protects the shoulder

and holds the joint in a good position
for healing
★ Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate
your shoulder pain, especially crossing
the affected arm in front of your body.
★ Ice can reduce shoulder pain and
swelling. Use a cold pack for 15 to 20
minutes at a time.
 Exercises should begin when the ligaments have
healed, and there’s no pain during normal daily
Rehabilitation activities.
❏ Exercises to restore the scapular rhythm are
important. The shoulder blade and upper arm bone
should move together with the correct timing
❏ Pendulum exercises: Gently swing the arm
forwards, backwards and sideways while bent
over. Repeat this with your arm swinging from
side to side as well. Aim to reach 90 degrees of
motion in any direction.
❏ 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. Hold the position for 10 to 20
seconds and repeat 3 times.
Pictures