Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
AC Joint Injury
What is an AC joint injury?
An AC joint injury involves damage to the acromioclavicular joint, which connects the collarbone (clavicle) to the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This type of injury can cause pain and limit shoulder movement. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery process, helping to restore strength, mobility, and function in the shoulder.
Causes of an AC Joint Injury:
An AC joint injury typically occurs from a direct impact to the top of the shoulder. This can happen when the shoulder hits a stationary object like a wall or the floor, or during contact with a moving object, such as an opponent in sports. The force can push the acromion (top of the shoulder blade) beneath the end of the collarbone, damaging the joint capsule and ligaments that support the AC joint. Injuries can also result from falling onto an outstretched hand.
Symptoms of an AC Joint Injury:
The initial symptom is usually sharp pain at the top of the shoulder. The pain may be severe enough to limit arm movement and cause you to hold your arm close to your body for comfort. In more severe cases, a visible bump or deformity may appear on the shoulder, caused by bone displacement or swelling and bleeding around the injured area.
Other symptoms include:
- joint locking
- joint clicking
- reduced range of movement
- spasm
What should I do after an AC joint injury?
To reduce swelling and prevent further damage, it’s important to rest and ice the shoulder immediately after the injury. Rest means avoiding activities and limiting use of the affected arm. If the pain is severe, using a sling can help support the arm and ease stress on the injured tissues. Apply ice to the injured area for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours, ideally using crushed ice wrapped in a damp cloth or towel. Continue this routine until you can consult a physiotherapist at Ace Physio Sports as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy for an AC joint injury.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery from an AC joint injury. At Ace Physio Sports, our physiotherapists will assess your injury to estimate the healing time and develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include the use of a sling for pain relief along with other therapies such as:
- Exercise Programmes
- Postural Realignment
- Taping
- Range of movement exercises
What shouldn’t I do after an AC joint injury?
In the first few days after an AC joint injury, avoid activities that increase blood flow to the injured area. This includes hot showers, heat rubs, massage, drinking alcohol, and excessive use of the affected arm. These actions can worsen bleeding and swelling, causing more pain and delaying your recovery.
Are there any long-term effects of AC joint injuries?
It’s important to have all AC joint injuries thoroughly evaluated by a physiotherapist, as some injuries can lead to long-term problems. More severe injuries may take longer to heal due to the extent of tissue damage. Even minor tears can cause prolonged recovery if not managed properly, potentially leading to ongoing shoulder pain and a higher risk of re-injury once you resume normal activities.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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