Initial treatment for AC joint pain typically involves rest, ice, pain medication, and temporary immobilization. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Initial Management of AC Joint Pain
The primary goals of initial treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain. This may require modifying your exercise routine or daily tasks.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), can help manage pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor before taking any new medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Immobilization: A sling can be used to immobilize the shoulder joint for 3-7 days. This provides support and allows the joint to rest and heal.
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Once the initial pain and inflammation have subsided, a rehabilitation program can help restore range of motion, strength, and stability to the shoulder.
- Range-of-Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can be started when tolerable. These exercises help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility. Examples include pendulum exercises, cross-body adduction stretches, and external rotation stretches.
- Strengthening Exercises: As pain decreases, begin strengthening exercises to rebuild the muscles around the shoulder joint. Examples include isometric exercises, resistance band exercises, and light weight training. Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles, deltoid, and trapezius.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through a personalized rehabilitation program that includes specific exercises and techniques to address your individual needs. They can also provide education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future injuries.
Other Potential Treatments
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the AC joint to reduce inflammation and pain. This is typically used when other treatments have not been effective. These injections are not a long-term solution.
- Surgery: Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases of AC joint pain that do not respond to conservative treatment. Surgical options may include AC joint resection (removal of the end of the clavicle) or ligament reconstruction.
When to See a Doctor
If your AC joint pain is severe, does not improve with home treatment, or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, or weakness), it is important to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Treating AC joint pain typically involves a combination of rest, pain relief, and rehabilitation to restore function and alleviate discomfort.