Find Out More About Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries
The AC joint is the one where the clavicle (collarbone) attaches onto the acromion of the shoulder. It is the bony point on top of the shoulder that can often been seen and easily felt by most people. The AC joint is unique in that it is the only joint in the body that connects the trunk to the shoulder.
AC joint injuries typically occur following trauma such as fall or bump and are often seen in sports such as AFL, Rugby and other contact sports. AC joint injuries are graded according to their severity and are graded 1- 3.
A Grade 1 joint injury is one where the AC joint is mildly displaced and the ligaments around the AC joint are usually stretched. This is the most common AC Joint injury.
A Grade 2 joint injury is one where the AC joint is partially dislocated and some of the ligaments around the joint are torn.
A Grade 3 joint injury is one where the AC joint is dislocated and all of the ligaments around the joint are torn.
Typically Grade 1 AC joint injuries will heal within 3-6 weeks and individuals will be back playing sport soon after. Treatment and management of the AC joint is very important and individuals should attempt to seek this early on after the injury to get advice on best management, treatment and return to play rehabilitation.
How Can An Osteopath At Principle Four Osteopathy Help You?
- Your Osteopath will take you through a detailed case history and assessment to help identify the cause of your injury and give you a diagnosis.
- Your Osteopath will provide you with a osteopathy treatment and management plan that is appropriate for the injury or condition. This also includes listening to your goals as a client and ensuring that the treatment and management plan is discussed with you and focused towards you achieving these goals.
- In some cases your Osteopath may be required to refer for further assessment and investigation and this may be with one of our Trusted Professional Network of practitioners.
- Your Osteopath may provide hands on Osteopathy or provide you with an exercise prescription / rehabilitation program.
- Your Osteopath will provide you with a treatment and management program that educates and shows you how to better manage your condition through stretching, mobility and strengthening where appropriate.
To find out more about these conditions and how you can better treat and manage these conditions, please call 03 9670 9290 or book an appointment online to see one of our osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy.