What is AC Joint Pathology?
AC joint pathology can significantly impact an individual’s everyday activities and athletic pursuits, especially contact and overhead sports. The acromion, a portion of the scapula, and the clavicle are joined at the top of the shoulder by the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This tiny joint is essential for shoulder mobility and load transfer between the axial skeleton and upper limb.
Causes of AC Joint Pathology
AC joint pathology may arise from various causes, including:
- Trauma or Injury: A direct blow to the shoulder, frequently sustained in contact sports or falls.
- Repetitive Overuse: Athletes who engage in overhead exercises like weightlifting, swimming, or throwing are said to exhibit repetitive overuse.
- Degenerative changes: Include osteoarthritis brought on by aging or long-term joint stress.
- Muscular weakness and postural imbalances: Can change biomechanics and concentrate load on the AC joint.
The most typical mechanism is a fall with the arm adducted on the shoulder tip. This stress damages the AC ligaments by pushing the acromion downward about the clavicle. In extreme situations, there may be obvious clavicular displacement due to the rupture of the coracoclavicular ligaments.
Signs, Symptoms, and Clinical Features
Patients with AC joint pathology may present with:
- Localized shoulder pain in the upper part
- Swelling and an obvious deformity or protrusion at the AC joint
- Pain during overhead or cross-body arm motions
- Restricted range of motion, especially when flexion and abduction are occurring
- Shoulder girdle muscle weakness
- Feelings of clicking or grinding when moving the shoulders
Diagnostic Methods at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
We use a thorough approach to diagnosis at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre. Our Physiotherapist integrates advanced clinical reasoning and specialized orthopedic examinations with physical and functional assessments. These consist of:
- Cross-body Adduction Test: Passive horizontal shoulder adduction is used to replicate pain.
- The AC Resisted Extension Test: Measures the amount of pain experienced when the shoulder is at 90° flexion and internal rotation while resisting horizontal abduction.
- O’Brien’s Test: By stressing the joint when the shoulder is internally rotated and extended to 90 degrees, O’Brien’s Test distinguishes between labral pathologies and AC joints.
- Palpation and Observation: Finding step-off abnormalities, edema, and soreness.
- Functional Testing: Analysis of scapular rhythm, muscular imbalances, and biomechanics in tasks particular to sports is known as functional testing.
Advanced and Personalized Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy
The focus of our care at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre is on precise, evidence-based therapies that are customized for each patient. To lessen discomfort, enhance function, and avoid recurrence, we place a high priority on conservative, non-surgical treatment.
1. Pain Management and Inflammation Control
- Cryotherapy: Aids in the early stages of acute pain relief and inflammation reduction.
- High-Intensity Class 4 Laser Therapy: Effectively lowers chronic pain, improves circulation, and encourages cellular healing.
- Shockwave therapy (if chronic): Promotes tissue regeneration and is helpful for calcific deposits or chronic tendinopathies of the AC joint.
- CRET Therapy: Through capacitive and resistive energy transfer, CRET therapy promotes deep tissue repair, particularly in cases of fibrosis or persistent joint stiffness.
2. Joint and Soft Tissue Mobilization
Our manual therapy techniques focus on restoring joint alignment and tissue extensibility:
- Joint mobilizations of the AC and scapulothoracic joints
- Myofascial release for tight shoulder and neck muscles
- Soft tissue mobilization for rotator cuff and deltoid muscles
3. Neuromuscular Re-education
We employ targeted neuromuscular retraining to restore proper scapular mechanics and shoulder rhythm. This includes:
- Biofeedback-based exercises
- Scapular stabilization drills
- Closed-chain kinetic exercises for proprioceptive enhancement
4. Strengthening and Conditioning
Progressive strengthening is essential to restore dynamic stability. Focus areas include:
- Rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
- Core and kinetic chain muscles
- Resistance band and weight-based exercises
We carefully monitor training intensity to avoid joint overloading.
5. Functional Rehabilitation and Return to Sport
As the condition improves, we integrate sport-specific drills and correct movement patterns. This ensures safe return to activity and reduces risk of reinjury.
- Plyometric training and proprioception drills
- Athletic taping or bracing, if needed
- Performance analysis and correction
6. Advanced Modalities and Supportive Therapies
- Super Inductive System (SIS): Stimulates muscle contractions and enhances neuromuscular control without physical strain.
- Hydrotherapy: When applicable, it offers resistance with minimal joint stress, ideal for early mobilization.
Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?
Our centre combines clinical excellence with advanced physiotherapy technologies. We guide each treatment with a comprehensive assessment and a personalized rehabilitation plan. Our commitment to athlete-centric care ensures faster recovery, optimal performance, and long-term joint health.
At Elite Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat symptoms; we correct the root cause. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a fitness enthusiast, our specialized programs ensure you return stronger and pain-free.
Conclusion
Timely and professional physiotherapy care can effectively manage acromioclavicular joint disease. Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre provides unmatched care that is customized to meet your needs thanks to our state-of-the-art modalities, evidence-based therapies, and sophisticated diagnostics. To start your path to recovery and optimal performance, schedule your consultation right now.