What should you know about shoulder separation exercises?

A shoulder separation is an injury to the acromioclavicular joint and its supporting ligaments. Early soreness can make lifting, pushing, and lying on that side difficult. The visible bump may remain even as function improves. Exercise choice depends on the injury pattern, tenderness, range of motion, and whether a fracture or more serious displacement is present. Shoulder pain is a useful symptom to monitor, not a measure of healing by itself.

During the early phase, a clinician may recommend support, gentle elbow and wrist movement, and comfortable shoulder motion that does not force the injured joint. Later work may include controlled shoulder-blade movement, assisted elevation, and gradual resistance for the rotator cuff and upper back. Physiotherapy can tailor the sequence and correct compensatory movement. Do not return to contact sport, overhead lifting, or heavy carrying until strength and control have been checked.

Get medical advice if pain is worsening, the arm cannot be raised, the shoulder becomes increasingly swollen, or numbness develops. After a fall, urgent assessment is sensible when there is marked deformity, severe tenderness over the collarbone, or a hand that is cold or discoloured. Fracture fixation surgery is considered only for selected injuries after examination and imaging; it is not a routine exercise step.

Which movements are suitable at this stage? When can I begin resistance? Should I use splinting for particular activities? What findings would change the plan toward imaging or surgery?