When is physiotherapy recommended for AC joint injury?

The acromioclavicular joint sits at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Injury can make lifting the arm, reaching across the body, lying on that side, or carrying objects uncomfortable. A physiotherapist can assess movement and tailor exercises to the injury’s severity and your daily demands.

Early care may focus on comfortable range of motion and controlling aggravating loads. Later work can build the muscles supporting the shoulder blade and shoulder, then introduce reaching, pushing, lifting, or sport-specific tasks.

Have the injury assessed if pain, a visible bump, or reduced shoulder use persists after a fall or direct blow. Follow advice about support, rest, and pain relief, then perform only the exercises that stay within the agreed comfort limits. Do not test recovery with heavy lifting or contact activity before strength and movement have been reviewed.

Tell the therapist about work, driving, sleep, and sport goals. These details help shape useful milestones rather than a generic exercise list.

Seek prompt assessment after a major impact if the shoulder is visibly deformed, the arm cannot be used, pain is severe, or the hand is numb, pale, or unusually cold. Increasing redness, warmth, fever, or rapidly worsening swelling also needs medical review.

Ask which activities are suitable now, when strengthening should begin, whether the joint needs support, and what signs would mean that the injury needs further imaging or specialist review.