acj pain
The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is the joint between the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion (the tip of the shoulder blade). The AC joint provides a link between the arm and trunk and it transmits the load from the arm to the trunk when pulling, pushing, punching or resting on the arm.
What is acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain?
ACJ pain is any painful sensation around the ACJ area.
What causes acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain?
There are two main causes of ACJ pain:
- AC joint disruption- trauma leads to different degrees of displacement of the clavicle from the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. There are 6 classifications of AC joint disruption from type I being sprained with no tear to Type VI where the clavicle is completely separate from the scapula with gross upward displacement of the clavicle behind tendons.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteolysis of the AC joint: OA may occur after injury or due to repetitive overuse. Clavicular osteolysis can occur spontaneously in rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
What are the symptoms of acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain?
There are different symptoms of ACJ pain depending on the severity of the cause of the pain and severity of the condition:
AC joint disruption:
- Tenderness around the AC joint and a step if there is a clavicular separation.
- Pain around the top of the shoulder which may increase when lying on the affected side, moving the arm across the body, overhead activity or pushing/pulling movements.
Osteoarthritis:
- Aching or pain lifting arm over head
- Upper arm may feel weak
- Sleeping may be painful
How is acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a full shoulder examination to determine the cause of your acromioclavicular pain and is usually sufficient for diagnosing a joint spreain however further scans such as X-ray, MRI or CT scans may be required to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of the damage or if any other structures are involved and rule out a fracture.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain?
A specialist physiotherapist can assess your ACJ and surrounding structures to determine what the cause of the pain is and will provide an individual treatment plan. Treatment often includes:
- Ice therapy to decrease swelling
- Taping to allow normal shoulder alignment
- Gradual passive range of movement exercises to prevent stiffness
- Active range of movement exercises to improve joint flexibility and range of movement
- Strengthening exercises to keep the joint strong
- Joint mobilisation
- Sport specific exercises and a graded return to sports to ensure safety
- Soft tissue massage
Benefit of physiotherapy for acromioclavicular (ACJ) pain?
Physiotherapy should be started as early as possible to ensure the best outcome. The benefits you feel from physiotherapy will be dependent on your symptoms and goals.
Treatment helps with:
- Reduced pain
- Improved range of movement
- Increased strength
- Prevention of re-injuring the ACJ
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.