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 Motion
- Aerobic/Endurance Exercise
- Core Strengthening
- Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
- Electrotherapeutic Modalities
- Isometric Exercise
- Plyometrics
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Posture Training
- Proprioception Exercises
- Physical Agents
- Shoulder Active Range of Motion
- Shoulder Joint Mobilization
- Shoulder Passive Range of Motion
- Shoulder Resistive Range of Motion
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Stretching/Flexibility Exercise
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