AC Joint Pain Treatment in Mona Vale
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a small joint located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Irritation or injury to this joint can cause localised pain during lifting, reaching, gym training and everyday activities.
At Helix Recovery, we'll assess your shoulder to determine whether the AC joint is contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan.
What is AC Joint Pain?
The AC joint connects the end of the collarbone (clavicle) to part of the shoulder blade called the acromion.
Pain can develop following an injury, repetitive loading or gradual age-related changes within the joint. AC joint irritation is particularly common in people who regularly perform pressing, lifting or overhead activities.
The joint can also be injured following a fall directly onto the shoulder, resulting in an AC joint sprain or, in more significant injuries, separation of the joint.
Common Symptoms
Pain directly on top of the shoulder
Tenderness over the AC joint
Pain reaching across your body
Pain with overhead movements
Discomfort during bench press, push-ups or other pressing exercises
Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
Pain when lifting or carrying objects
How We Assess AC Joint Pain
Several shoulder conditions can produce similar symptoms, so determining whether the AC joint is the primary source of pain is important.
Your assessment may include shoulder movement, palpation of the AC joint, strength testing and movements that specifically load the joint. The rotator cuff, neck and surrounding shoulder structures may also be assessed where relevant.
If there has been significant trauma or a more substantial AC joint injury is suspected, imaging or further medical assessment may be recommended.
How We Treat AC Joint Pain
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Shoulder and rotator cuff strengthening
Activity and load modification
Modification of aggravating gym exercises
Gradual return to work, training and sport
Shockwave Therapy for AC Joint Pain
Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into treatment to help reduce pain and address sensitive soft tissues around the shoulder.
Where appropriate, it can be used alongside osteopathic manual therapy and progressive exercise rehabilitation to improve comfort and your ability to tolerate loading.
Shockwave is not applied directly over an acutely injured AC joint or recent fracture. Its use is determined by the nature and stage of your presentation.
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AC joint pain is typically very localised to the top of the shoulder and is often aggravated by reaching across the body or pressing movements. A clinical assessment can help differentiate it from rotator cuff and subacromial shoulder pain.
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Usually, yes. Exercises that heavily compress the AC joint, such as deep bench pressing or certain overhead movements, may need to be temporarily modified while other exercises can often be continued.
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Degenerative changes of the AC joint become increasingly common with age and are frequently visible on imaging. However, these changes don't necessarily cause pain, so imaging findings need to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination.
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Most mild-to-moderate AC joint sprains are managed without surgery. More significant injuries, particularly those involving substantial joint separation or ongoing functional problems, may require specialist assessment.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Your Shoulder Moving Again?
We'll identify whether the AC joint or another shoulder structure is contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your work, training and activity goals.