Does physiotherapy treat AC joint injury?

The acromioclavicular joint connects the collarbone with the top of the shoulder blade. An injury can stretch or damage its supporting ligaments, often after a fall onto the shoulder or an impact. Treatment depends on the injury’s severity, shoulder stability, pain and arm function. Physiotherapy may begin with comfortable movement and advice on support, then progress to shoulder-blade control, rotator-cuff strength and task-specific loading.

A visible bump can remain after some injuries even when function improves. The therapist will help balance protection with enough movement to limit stiffness, while coordinating with the clinician who assessed the injury.

Follow instructions about a sling, lifting and sleeping positions. Do not return to contact sport, heavy overhead work or loaded pushing until your clinician or therapist has assessed readiness. Use the home exercises at the prescribed level and report increasing pain, swelling or a sense that the joint is slipping.

The Physiotherapy page explains the wider rehabilitation approach and what an appointment may involve.

Arrange urgent assessment after a new injury if the shoulder is visibly deformed, the arm cannot be used, or the hand becomes cold, pale, numb or weak. Seek review for worsening swelling, persistent severe pain, fever, or symptoms that do not follow the expected recovery plan. A clinician may need to reassess stability before exercises continue.

Ask which type of AC joint injury you have, how long protection should continue, when movement and strengthening can advance, and which work or sport tasks need modification.