OVERVIEW
Acromioclavicular Separation (Separated Shoulder)
A fall at the shoulder can cause an “AC Separation”. This causes pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity that makes it appear as if the collar bone “sticks up”.
A separated shoulder is usually treated with rest, ice and pain medication. Physical therapy can also be used to restore motion. Surgery is rarely necessary. Sometimes, however, the ligaments connecting the collar bone and the shoulder blade can be repaired.
TREATMENT
Possible Treatments
- Active Assistive Range of MotionÂ
- Aerobic/Endurance ExerciseÂ
- Core StrengtheningÂ
- Cryotherapy or Cold TherapyÂ
- Electrotherapeutic Modalities
- Isometric ExerciseÂ
- Plyometrics
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Posture TrainingÂ
- Proprioception ExercisesÂ
- Physical Agents
- Shoulder Active Range of MotionÂ
- Shoulder Joint MobilizationÂ
- Shoulder Passive Range of MotionÂ
- Shoulder Resistive Range of MotionÂ
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Stretching/Flexibility ExerciseÂ
GOALS
Possible Treatment Goals
- Improve Function
- Optimize Joint Alignment
- Improve Muscle Strength and Power
- Improve Proprioception
- Decrease Postoperative Complications
- Improve Range of Motion
- Self-care of Symptoms
- Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities