What Is an AC Joint Sprain and How Is It Treated?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the meeting point between your collarbone (clavicle) and the top of your shoulder blade (acromion/scapula). An AC joint sprain happens when the ligaments around this joint are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity, treatment can range from rest and rehab to surgery. For most AFL players, and contact athletes in general, a structured rehab plan can return them to play safely and quickly (1, 2).
How Do AC Joint Sprains Occur in AFL?
AFL players are particularly prone to AC joint sprains due to the nature of the game, it’s one of the most frequent shoulder injuries seen in AFL athletes (1). Direct contact, tackles, hard falls onto the shoulder, and high-impact collisions can overload the AC joint.
Grades of AC Joint Sprains
AC joint injuries are typically graded I-III in clinical settings:
- Grade I: Minor ligament strain, no visible deformity.
Treatment: Rest, ice, and a short period of activity modification. - Grade II: Partial ligament tear, slight separation of the joint.
Treatment: Sling for a few days, followed by gradual rehab and treatment. - Grade III: Complete rupture of AC and coracoclavicular ligaments, visible shoulder bump.
Treatment: Longer rest, structured rehab, sometimes surgery if instability persists (1, 2).
How to Treat an AC Joint Sprain
Treatment usually follows three phases:
1. Acute Phase – Rest, reduce inflammation, and protect the joint.
2. Rehabilitation Phase – Begin mobility work, strengthen the rotator cuff, and retrain shoulder stability.
3. Return to Play – Sport-specific reconditioning and contact-readiness testing (1).
How We Can Help
At Fortitude Chiropractic, we assess the severity of your AC joint sprain and tailor treatment to your specific needs. Through hands-on therapy, such as soft-tissue therapies, dry needling and taping, along with guided rehab, we focus on restoring movement, reducing pain, and rebuilding shoulder strength. Once you’re moving well again, we help you safely return to AFL training with sport-specific advice and progressions.
Click here to book online or call (08) 61848835 to get started on your journey to recovery
References
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Sakai, T., Sato, K., Matsumoto, T., Matsushita, T., Nakamura, Y., Wakabayashi, Y., Nishino, K., Araki, D., Izumi, S., Takao, M., & Nishino, J. (2022). Effect of ankle taping on the peroneus longus muscle activity during sudden ankle inversion in subjects with functional ankle instability. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 63, 102648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102648
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Fong, D. T., Hong, Y., Chan, L. K., Yung, P. S., & Chan, K. M. (2007). A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports Medicine, 37(1), 73–94. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737010-00006
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