AC Joint Injury Physical Therapy · Oceanside, CA
AC JOINT INJURY
SHOULDER BACK
TO FULL STRENGTH.
TO FULL STRENGTH.
AC joint injuries — the bump on top of the shoulder after a fall or collision — are graded I through VI. The majority are successfully treated without surgery. The key is restoring the strength and mechanics around the joint, not just waiting for pain to go away.
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Understanding the Condition
WHAT IS AN AC JOINT INJURY?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint sits at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle meets the acromion. Injuries most commonly occur from a direct fall onto the shoulder — common in contact sports, cycling, and surfing. The grade determines the degree of ligament disruption and displacement.
Grade I–II: Ligament sprain without significant joint displacement. Pain and tenderness at the AC joint. Conservative PT management is highly effective. 2–6 weeks.
Grade III: Complete AC ligament rupture with moderate clavicle elevation. Surgical vs. conservative management is debated — most Grade IIIs do well with PT.
Grade IV–VI: Significant displacement requiring surgical evaluation. Post-surgical PT is essential for full function restoration.
Chronic AC Joint Pain: Old AC injury with persistent pain, weakness, or clicking. Often responds well to targeted PT even years after the original injury.
Treatment Approach
HOW WE TREAT IT
AC joint rehab focuses on restoring scapular mechanics, rotator cuff strength, and the dynamic stability that supports the joint under overhead and pushing loads.
01
Protect & Reduce Pain
Activity modification, manual therapy to reduce pain and restore shoulder mobility, and taping techniques to offload the AC joint during healing.
02
Scapular & Rotator Cuff Strengthening
The scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff that provide dynamic support to the AC joint. Weakness here is why the joint remains symptomatic after the ligament heals.
03
Return to Full Activity
Progressive return to overhead, pushing, and contact activities. Sport-specific loading and the confidence testing that confirms readiness.
Typical TimelineGrade I–II: 2–6 weeks. Grade III: 6–12 weeks. Post-surgical: 3–5 months.
Related Pages
RELATED CONDITIONS
& SERVICES
& SERVICES
Shoulder Injuries Hub
→
Rotator Cuff
→
Shoulder Labral Tear
→
Shoulder Impingement
→
Sports Injuries Hub
→
Athletes Hub
→
Also Consider
STEMWAVE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
For chronic AC joint pain with soft tissue involvement, StemWave can accelerate tissue healing and reduce pain when combined with targeted shoulder rehab.
Learn About StemWave →Ready to Get Started?
LET'S SEE IF
WE CAN HELP.
WE CAN HELP.
Submit a request and we'll call you to hear your situation. We'll give you an honest answer about whether we think we can help — before you ever step in the door.
📍 821 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA · (760) 542-6666