AC joint is a part of your shoulder
joint that is comprised of the assembly of your collar bone (clavicle) with the
acromion process of your shoulder blade. Problems here can lead to loss of
shoulder movement, pain, and difficulty performing tasks that require the usage
of your arm. In case you have shoulder pain, your physical therapist may assess
your condition and determine the best treatment. During the examination, your
PT will execute the AC joint compression evaluation.
The AC joint is a very stable joint, and just small motions
occur there. Still, you can suffer a sprain of the ligaments that hold your AC
joint collectively. When this occurs, it is called an AC joint separation. This
will probably cause significant shoulder pain and you might have difficulty
moving your arm normally.
An AC joint separation shouldn't be confused with a shoulder
dislocation. A shoulder dislocation happens where the ball and socket of the
shoulder joint match. An AC joint separation occurs on the top portion of your
shoulder where your collar bone and acromion process of your scapula match.
Ever since your AC joint is such a secure joint, usually
significant trauma is required to cause an injury . An AC joint fracture
generally occurs after a fall on the side of your shoulder or during a fall on
your outstretched hand (also called a FOOSH accident ).
Impact or forces during athletic contest that come from the
side or directly in front of your shoulder might also bring about an AC joint
separation.
Indicators of an AC Joint Separation
If you've separated your AC joint, you will probably
experience certain symptoms.
If you suspect you have split your shoulder, you need to go
to your doctor straight away. Your doctor may execute the AC joint compression
test as part of a clinical examination.
Evaluation for an AC Joint Separation
The shoulder particular test to get an AC joint separation
is known as the AC joint compression test. It is a simple test to perform,
along with your PT or physician may do this as part of your test for shoulder
pain or issues.
Sit comfortably in a chair.
Have a friend or family member stand to your own side
wherever your painful shoulder is.
Your buddy should place one hand on the front of your
shoulder joint and one hand behind your shoulder joint.
Eventually, your friend should slowly but firmly press on
each side of your shoulder to compress your AC joint. This compression ought to
be held for a couple of seconds.
A positive evaluation indicating a possible AC joint
separation is if extreme pain is elicited on your shoulder during the
compression. If your AC joint compression test is positive, you need to go to
your doctor immediately to confirm your suspicions and get you started on the
right treatment straight away.
If you've got an AC joint separation, you will probably need
to wear a sling on your shoulder while items are healing. After a couple of
weeks of healing of your AC joint, your physician may recommend physical
therapy that will help you improve your shoulder range of motion (ROM) and
strength. Your PT can prescribe specific exercises to receive your shoulder
(and shoulder blade) transferring correctly.
Occasionally, surgery is suggested to repair an AC joint
separation. If you have surgery to repair your AC joint, you might also benefit
from physical therapy after your surgery to help improve your general freedom
and revive normal shoulder movement and strength. Your PT may also help you
handle your shoulder pain following surgery.
If you have shoulder pain and guess you have hurt your AC
joint, then the AC joint compression test will help support your suspicions. If
you try the exam and believe you've separated your AC joint, visit your doctor
to verify your diagnosis and start the process of healing and recovery.
A Word From Really well
Shoulder pain may limit your ability to do regular
activities, but when treated right, you can quickly return to regular activity.
In case your shoulder hurts, visit your physician and your physical therapist,
and get started on therapy straight away. That way you can certainly get back
to your day-to-day activity.
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