If you are considering AC joint injury treatment in Melbourne due to AC joint pain or shoulder movement difficulties, early access to appropriate care is indispensable.
At the Alignment Studio, we provide personalised treatment for AC joint pain or shoulder injuries to help you regain strength, improve movement, and return to the activities that matter to you.
Direct blows to the shoulder, contact sports, or heavy lifting can cause shoulder joint injuries that result in mild sprains or full AC joint strains or complete dislocations. Our team offers treatment options tailored to the severity of the injury, including pain management, shoulder physiotherapy, structured rehab, and practical care.
We support you from the initial assessment through to your full recovery.
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be found at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It helps keep the shoulder stable and allows for increased flexibility of the shoulder.
The AC joint is supported by a number of important ligaments that keep it stable and prevent it from dislocating. Thus, when the AC joint is injured, daily activities, particularly overhead activities can become painful and challenging.
A clear understanding of the joint helps guide the right treatment plan for your specific injury.
AC joint conditions can range from mild to severe. Common issues include AC joint sprains, separation, joint dislocations and osteoarthritic degeneration. These mostly occur from a direct hit to the lateral aspect or outside of the shoulder, a fall, or sustained shoulder strain.
Even during everyday activities, ongoing shoulder stress can damage the joint. Other shoulder conditions, like frozen shoulder or general shoulder instability, can also increase pain and restrict shoulder movement. These may occur along with rotator cuff or labral injuries, which can further affect strength and function.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in AC joint recovery. A clear diagnosis is the first step so that the physio understands the severity of the injury. Manual therapy, gentle treatment, and other pain management techniques help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Early physiotherapy can help prevent the injury from worsening. It also provides relief so you can focus on shoulder strength recovery.
Rehabilitation exercises help restore shoulder mobility and strength. These exercises target the muscles around the shoulder and upper arm, improving movement, control, and function.
Strength training helps reduce weakness that may come from an AC joint injury. Some programs may also include clinical Pilates. These help improve posture, flexibility, and body control. Together, these methods support a full and long-lasting recovery.
Conservative treatment alleviates most AC joint injuries. However, severe injuries, such as full dislocations or significant separation, may require surgery. An orthopaedic surgeon may suggest a procedure when the joint is terribly displaced or when a non-surgical treatment hasn’t worked.
Surgery repairs the joint and its supporting ligaments. After this, a structured rehabilitation program is essential to restore movement, stability, and strength.
The physiotherapist at The Alignment Studio have extensive experience in post AC joint surgery.
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Shoulder pain does not have to take over your day or night. If you are ready to feel stronger, move better, and finally get on top of your AC joint injury, we are here to help.
Call us at 03 9650 2220 or book online to schedule your appointment. You can visit us at Ground Floor, Collins Place, 45 Collins Street, Shop 19, Melbourne. Your recovery can start today.
