This post is about Chiropractic Care of Shoulder Girdle Pain: Acromioclavicular Joint Injury. This injury can occur in any age group, but occurs mostly in 20-29 year olds. You will have shoulder pain following a traumatic event. Moreover, you may have had a fall onto the top of your shoulder or on an outstretched arm. It also occurs during a whiplash injury due to a car accident or a sports related injury.
If you have Acromioclavicular Joint Pain, Chiropractic can provide relief!
Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Symptoms and Signs
You will have local tenderness over the acromioclavicular joint. And you may experience painful decreased range of motion in the area. Many of your activities will be limited including dressing and carrying and/or pulling objects. Additionally, sleeping/lying on the injured shoulder side will be painful. Furthermore, in the case of a (grade III) sprain, obvious anatomical deformity and swelling will be apparent.
Acromioclavicular Joint Anatomy
Firstly, your pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle), consists of your collar bone (clavicle) and your shoulder blade (scapula) which provides the bony link between your arm and your trunk.
Secondly, the acromioclavicular joint is formed by the cap of the shoulder blade (acromion of scapula) and the collar bone (clavicle). The outer end of the clavicle is held in alignment with the acromion by the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments.
Thirdly, the acromioclavicular joint has a thin joint capsule lined with synovium (connective tissue that lines the inside of the joint capsule). A joint capsule, also called an articular capsule, is a bubble-like structure that surrounds joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, knee, foot, and ankle.
Fourthly, the acromioclavicular joint capsule is weak and is strengthened by the ligaments (acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments). These in turn are reinforced through attachments from the deltoid and trapezius muscles. Without these ligaments, the acromioclavicular joint capsule would not be strong enough to maintain the integrity of the joint.
Chiropractic Care of Shoulder Girdle Pain: Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Types I-III
An acromioclavicular joint separation or sprain is a traumatic separation or compression of the acromioclavicular joint.
Acromioclavicular joint separations are classified into three grades treated and managed in the chiropractic office:
First degree- Grade I- indicates some tearing of the acromioclavicular ligament, but no instability.
Second degree- Grade II- indicates rupture of the acromioclavicular ligament.
Third degree- Grade III– involves tearing both of the acromioclavicular and the coracoclavicular ligaments. Both grades II and III are unstable (requires short period of immobilization in a sling). And type III injuries often take longer to heal (several weeks to months compared to Type I, II).
Chiropractic Care of Shoulder Girdle Pain: Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Treatment
Chiropractic manipulative treatment/therapy to the spine and extremities (e.g. acromioclavicular joint, glenohumeral joint) are effective for acromioclavicular joint injuries. Our other therapies, such as soft tissue techniques, electric muscle stimulation, ice/ heat therapies and homeopathic consultations provide relief.
Indeed, acromioclavicular separations may need a short period of support with a shoulder sling (type II-III). Similarly, rehabilitation exercise starts with mild isometrics (even while in a sling). Next isotonic shoulder exercises with an emphasis on deltoid and upper trapezius exercises followed by rotator cuff, biceps and pectoral exercises are important.
Through regular chiropractic visits, you can get pain relief and improve your health without drugs or surgery!
At Meiri Chiropractic we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat existing conditions, but to keep your body in its best working condition. Meiri Chiropractic has been offering effective chiropractic care in Palm Beach county since 2006. Many of our patient reviews note our excellence. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic Care of Shoulder Girdle Pain: Acromioclavicular Joint Injury.