What is the Treatment for AC Separation?
These can be very painful injuries, so the initial treatment is to decrease pain. This is best accomplished by immobilizing the arm in a sling, and placing an ice pack to the shoulder for 20-30 minutes every two hours as needed. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also help the pain. As the pain starts to subside, it is important to begin moving the fingers, wrist, and elbow, and eventually the shoulder in order to prevent a stiff or “frozen” shoulder. Instruction on when and how much to move the shoulder, should be provided by your physician, physical therapist, or certified athletic trainer. The length of time needed to regain full motion and function depends on the severity or grade of the injury. Recovery from a Grade I AC separation usually takes ten to 14 days, whereas a Grade III may take six to eight weeks.
