The acromioclavicular joint is located at the top of the shoulder and is a junction point between the clavicle and the scapula. The joint is stabilized by a series of ligaments, primarily from the muscles of the shoulder.
The acromioclavicular joint provides the ability to raise the arm above your head – the joint is similar to a strut and helps with arm rotation. The joint allows the shoulder to have additional range of motion and transmits the force of the arm to the shoulder.
Injury Can Come From:
- Direct downward force resulting in shear stresses that disrupt the stability of the joint.
- Common with contact sports, such as football players, rugby players.
- Trauma induced, such as a car accident.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the top of the shoulder.
The Cause of Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain:
- Repetitive activities resulting in localized stress in the ligaments surrounding the joint.
- As the ligaments are stressed, micro tears in the tissue occur.
- If micro tears go untreated, the ligaments will tear. Depending on the severity of the tear, the ligament can completely tear away from the joint.
- In some cases, the tear will cause injury to the cartilage within the joint.
- Any type of injury can cause the joint to become arthritic.
I approach treating your shoulder pain to your presentation, which involves:
- Analyzing your posture to relieve any improper stress on the acromioclavicular joint.
- Discussing potential lifestyle dynamics impacting the effected the shoulder.
- Muscle testing the muscles for weakness and pain.
- Targeting effected muscles, releasing motor points, trigger points and treating ligament tears.
Providing exercises to continue treatment success between acupuncture treatments.
Call (914) 572-5137 today or click here to schedule an appointment & learn more about how we can help you.