The acromioclavicular (AC) joint- a cause of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is another common complaint that presents to us at The Physio Nook, and while research tends to focus on rotator cuff and subacromial complaints, the AC joint is often overlooked as the possible cause of pain.
Well localised pain
Pain originating from the AC joint (this joint is formed by the distal end of the clavicle, and the acromion of the scapula) is usually well localised and the patient will often point directly to it with their finger when asked to indicate where their most painful area is. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall, either onto the point of the shoulder, or onto an outstretched hand, where the forces have been transmitted along the upper limb to the AC joint.
Well localised pain
Pain originating from the AC joint (this joint is formed by the distal end of the clavicle, and the acromion of the scapula) is usually well localised and the patient will often point directly to it with their finger when asked to indicate where their most painful area is. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall, either onto the point of the shoulder, or onto an outstretched hand, where the forces have been transmitted along the upper limb to the AC joint.
Aggravated by…
There is usually pain or discomfort with movement of the shoulder girdle and arm, particularly where the arm is brought across the body into a horizontally flexed position. The patient will have difficulty, or even be unable to sleep on the painful side, and gym exercises such as bench press, dips, or push-ups can increase pain significantly.
How to help?
Tips to reduce stress on the AC joint include…
1. Avoid reaching across the body with the affected arm;
2. Minimise overhead activity with the affected arm;
3. Try not to sleep on the affected shoulder’s side;
4. Anti-inflammatory medication usually helps;
5. If continuing to exercise or work-out, decrease the width of hand placement on any bar exercises.
If there is any concern that the above tips may not be enough, or that there may be more than just a “sprain”, the patient should be referred to a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment and treatment. All of our therapists at The Physio Nook are well versed in the management of AC joint injuries.
I hope this summary will help you or someone you know. As always, we are here at The Physio Nook to help out with any musculoskeletal disorders you may have, shoulder or otherwise! Feel free to call us, email, or drop in for a great service.
Paul Woodward
Principal Physiotherapist
The Physio Nook.
There is usually pain or discomfort with movement of the shoulder girdle and arm, particularly where the arm is brought across the body into a horizontally flexed position. The patient will have difficulty, or even be unable to sleep on the painful side, and gym exercises such as bench press, dips, or push-ups can increase pain significantly.
How to help?
Tips to reduce stress on the AC joint include…
1. Avoid reaching across the body with the affected arm;
2. Minimise overhead activity with the affected arm;
3. Try not to sleep on the affected shoulder’s side;
4. Anti-inflammatory medication usually helps;
5. If continuing to exercise or work-out, decrease the width of hand placement on any bar exercises.
If there is any concern that the above tips may not be enough, or that there may be more than just a “sprain”, the patient should be referred to a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment and treatment. All of our therapists at The Physio Nook are well versed in the management of AC joint injuries.
I hope this summary will help you or someone you know. As always, we are here at The Physio Nook to help out with any musculoskeletal disorders you may have, shoulder or otherwise! Feel free to call us, email, or drop in for a great service.
Paul Woodward
Principal Physiotherapist
The Physio Nook.
