Shoulder injuries can be painful and limit your ability to work, exercise, or even perform daily activities. An AC separation is a common injury, especially in athletes and active individuals. Understanding what it is, how it happens, and how Gonstead chiropractic care can help is the first step toward recovery.
What Is an AC Separation?
An AC separation (acromioclavicular separation) is an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). The injury occurs when the ligaments that stabilize this joint are stretched or torn, allowing the clavicle to shift from its normal position. AC separations range from mild sprains to complete dislocations.
Causes of an AC Separation
Most AC separations happen due to:
- A direct fall onto the shoulder, often from sports, cycling, or skiing accidents.
- A hard impact in contact sports like football, hockey, or rugby.
- Falling onto an outstretched arm transmits force to the AC joint.
These injuries are common in athletes but can happen daily from slips, falls, or collisions.
Symptoms of an AC Separation
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity (graded from Type I to Type VI), but may include:
- Sudden pain at the top of the shoulder.
- Swelling and tenderness over the AC joint.
- A visible bump where the clavicle has shifted upward.
- Pain when lifting the arm or carrying weight.
- Weakness or instability in the shoulder.
How Gonstead Chiropractic Can Help
While severe AC separations may require surgical evaluation, many mild to moderate cases respond well to conservative care. Gonstead chiropractic care restores structural alignment and function, reduces pain, and promotes optimal healing.
1. Identify Structural Imbalances
Misalignments in the spine, shoulder girdle, and ribcage can affect shoulder stability. Gonstead chiropractors use precise analysis to identify and correct these imbalances.
2. Restore Joint Alignment
Specific adjustments to the thoracic spine, clavicle, and surrounding joints help restore proper biomechanics, reducing stress on the injured AC joint.
3. Improve Nerve Communication
Correcting misalignments improves nerve function to the muscles that stabilize the shoulder, supporting recovery and reducing compensatory strain.
4. Support Healing
Proper alignment improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes natural healing without unnecessary strain on the injured ligaments.
5. Prevent Re‑Injury
Your chiropractor can recommend postural corrections, strengthening exercises, and activity modifications to protect the AC joint as it heals.
The Bottom Line
An AC separation can be a painful and limiting injury, but with proper care, recovery is possible. Gonstead chiropractic care addresses the structural and functional issues that may slow healing, supporting your body’s natural ability to recover and helping you return to the activities you love. If you suspect an AC separation after a fall or shoulder injury, don’t ignore it — early evaluation and treatment can improve your recovery and help prevent chronic shoulder problems.
References
- Mayo Clinic – “Separated Shoulder” Overview of AC joint injury causes, symptoms, and treatment options. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/separated-shoulder
- Cleveland Clinic – “Separated Shoulder” Details on AC separation types, diagnosis, and recovery timelines. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17835-separated-shoulder
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – “Shoulder Separation” Information on ligament damage, grading severity, and conservative care. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-separation
- StatPearls via NCBI – “Acromioclavicular Joint Injury” Medical review on pathology, classification, and treatment recommendations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493188/
- Gonstead Chiropractic Center – “Chiropractic Care and Shoulder Injuries” Discussion on restoring alignment and biomechanics for shoulder recovery. https://gonsteadchiropracticcenter.com