Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury Treatment Goals and Options
The main goals of treatment for an AC joint injury are to manage pain and allow the torn ligaments to heal.
Type I or II AC joint injury treatment
Treatments for type I and II injuries include:
- Icing the shoulder.
- Putting your arm in a sling to decrease motion.
- Taking NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to help with pain.
You will need to wear the sling for a few days to a week or more depending on how severe the injury.
You will need to begin physical therapy as soon as you can, and do minimal exercise with your arm to avoid frozen shoulder.
Type III AC joint injury treatment
Your doctor will decide the best course of treatment, based on the extent of damage to the joint.
You may have to wear a sling and undergo physical therapy.
In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the torn ligaments.
Learn more about AC joint injury treatments
The links below will open a new browser window.
UPMC's HealthBeat Blog:
|
From our Health Library:
|