AC joint sprain physical therapy in Carmel, Indiana

In a separated shoulder, the ligaments that hold the outer end of the collarbone to the acromion, the bony tip of the shoulder blade, are stretched or torn. In more severe grades, the stronger coracoclavicular ligaments beneath them tear too, letting the collarbone ride up and create a visible step.

According to AAOS OrthoInfo, the most common cause is a fall directly onto the point of the shoulder. Locally, that might be a cyclist going over the handlebars on the Monon Trail, a hockey player hitting the boards, a mountain biker, a football or rugby tackle, or a slip on ice while carrying something in both hands.

It is a different injury from a shoulder dislocation, which involves the ball-and-socket joint below. People often use the two names interchangeably, so the first job of the examination is to confirm which joint is involved.

At a physical therapy evaluation, expect the therapist to press gently along the collarbone and over the joint, compare the height of both collarbone ends, test the cross-body reach that compresses the joint, and check rotator cuff strength and neck movement. If the story or examination suggests a fracture, a dislocation or a nerve injury, you will be sent to a physician before any loading begins.

Rehab protects the healing ligaments early, restores full motion, then rebuilds shoulder and shoulder blade strength until the joint tolerates pressing, carrying and impact. The sling is usually used only for comfort and for a short period, according to your physician’s advice.

Early sessions focus on pain control, gentle range of motion and keeping the neck, elbow and hand moving. As pain allows, a therapist in the network adds rotator cuff and shoulder blade work, then gradually heavier rows, carries and presses in a private suite at FlexWerk, using the cable column and dumbbells to load precisely.

Cross-body and overhead positions compress the AC joint, so they come back later and carefully. Push-ups, dips and bench press are reintroduced in a planned sequence, often starting with a shorter range or a floor press.

For contact sports, the last phase includes falling and tackling drills, upper body plyometrics and padding discussions. Testing before return is described on the return-to-sport testing page.

• Pain relief and gentle motion in the first days
• Shoulder blade setting and rotator cuff activation
• Progressive rows, carries and pressing
• Gradual return of cross-body and overhead loading
• Plyometrics and fall practice for contact athletes

Get it checked if the pain is significant, there is a bump, or you cannot move the arm comfortably, since X-rays help confirm the grade and rule out a fracture. Then use ice, the sling for comfort if your physician has advised one, and keep the elbow, wrist and fingers moving.

Avoid sleeping on the injured side, carrying heavy bags on that shoulder and reaching across your body. Light walking and lower body training are usually fine. Many cyclists switch to a stationary bike for a while to avoid another fall. If you work at a desk, keep the mouse close to your body and the arm supported on the desk, since holding the arm out in front for hours tends to keep the top of the shoulder aching.

Once the first sore days have passed, the questionnaire for shoulder injuries lets the matching team know about your fall and goals. They propose a therapist in the network, and for players under 18, a parent or legal guardian completes the form. For cyclists, the physical therapy for cyclists page covers the full picture of crash injuries.