AC Joint Sprains

A sprain of the AC Joint is a direct injury to the joint, without a dislocation. This is also known as a Type I AC Joint injury .

 
Type I AC Joint injury

When the joint is first injured, apply ice directly to the point of the shoulder to inhibit swelling and relieve pain. The arm can be supported with a sling which also relieves some of the weight from the shoulder. Gentle motion of the arm can be allowed to prevent stiffness, and early physiotherapy is often of benefit.
Occasionally an injection my speed recovery if the injury is slow to settle.

Most AC Joint injuries settle within 6 months, but a small proportion continue to give pain. This is usually because the small meniscus in the joint has been torn and not healed. At this stage surgery is an option - in the form of an Arthroscopic AC Joint Excision .

Also see the latest Research on AC Joint Here