Welcome to Prestige Health and Wellness, your premier chiropractic and wellness clinic in New York City. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint Separations, offering evidence-based care to relieve pain, restore shoulder function, and prevent long-term complications. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your injury, ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal shoulder health.
Understanding AC Joint Separation
What is AC Joint Separation?
An AC Joint Separation occurs when the ligaments that connect the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) to the clavicle (collarbone) are damaged, causing the two bones to separate. This injury is most commonly caused by a direct impact to the shoulder, such as during a fall or sports injury. The severity of AC joint separations is classified by grades:
- Grade 1: Mild sprain of the AC ligaments, with no significant separation.
- Grade 2: Partial tear of the AC ligaments, causing a partial separation of the joint.
- Grade 3: Complete tear of both the AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, resulting in full separation of the joint.
- Grade 4–6: Severe dislocations that may require surgical intervention, with additional damage to surrounding tissues and muscles.
Common Causes
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or cycling often result in AC joint separations due to falls or impacts.
- Falls: Falling directly onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm can cause the AC joint to separate.
- Trauma or Accidents: Car accidents or other high-impact incidents can lead to AC joint separation.
- Overuse Injuries: Repetitive stress on the shoulder joint from activities like weightlifting or manual labor can increase the risk of ligament damage over time.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Shoulder Pain: Immediate, sharp pain at the top of the shoulder, which worsens with movement.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and tenderness around the AC joint, often accompanied by visible bruising.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty lifting the arm, especially overhead or across the body, due to pain and stiffness.
- Visible Deformity: A noticeable bump or displacement at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle and acromion separate.
- Weakness: Shoulder weakness, particularly when attempting to lift or carry objects.
Medical Treatment for AC Joint Separation at Prestige Health and Wellness
At Prestige Health and Wellness, we offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating AC Joint Separations. Our focus is on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future complications. Depending on the severity of the separation, we provide both non-surgical and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Chiropractic Care
- Joint Mobilization: Gentle techniques to maintain mobility in the shoulder and surrounding joints, helping to reduce stiffness and promote healing.
- Spinal Adjustments: Correcting spinal misalignments to improve posture and reduce strain on the shoulder during recovery.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeting muscles and ligaments around the shoulder to relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and support healing.
Physical Therapy
- Phase 1: Initial Healing (Weeks 1–4)
- Immobilization: Use of slings or braces to support the shoulder and allow the damaged ligaments to heal in proper alignment.
- Pain Management: Cold therapy and other techniques to reduce swelling and manage pain during the early stages of recovery.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle, controlled movements to maintain mobility in the elbow, wrist, and hand during shoulder immobilization.
- Phase 2: Early Recovery (Weeks 4–8)
- Shoulder Mobilization: Gradual introduction of passive and active-assisted movements to restore shoulder flexibility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Light resistance exercises focused on strengthening the rotator cuff, deltoid, and scapular stabilizers to support the AC joint.
- Postural Correction: Teaching proper posture and shoulder mechanics to reduce strain on the healing joint.
- Phase 3: Advanced Recovery (Weeks 8+)
- Progressive Strengthening: Increasing resistance and intensity of exercises to fully restore strength in the shoulder muscles and ligaments.
- Functional Training: Exercises designed to simulate everyday activities or sports movements, improving shoulder function and stability.
- Balance and Stability Training: Enhancing shoulder stability to reduce the risk of future injuries.
Additional Medical Services
- Cold Laser Therapy: Using light therapy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote tissue healing at the site of injury.
- Massage Therapy: Promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension around the shoulder and upper back to support recovery and alleviate discomfort.
- Acupuncture: Targeting specific acupuncture points to reduce pain and inflammation, helping to restore shoulder function more quickly.
- Bracing and Support: Providing custom shoulder braces to stabilize the joint during the healing process and protect it from further injury.
For more detailed information on our Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy services, visit our dedicated service pages.
Why Choose Prestige Health and Wellness for AC Joint Separation?
- Expert Medical Team: Our chiropractors, physical therapists, and other specialists have extensive experience in treating AC Joint Separations and shoulder-related injuries.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We create individualized recovery strategies based on the severity of your injury, your activity level, and your long-term recovery goals.
- Advanced Technologies: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, such as cold laser therapy and functional rehabilitation tools, to enhance your treatment and accelerate recovery.
- Convenient Locations: With offices in the Financial District, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, and NOMAD, accessing care for AC Joint Separation in NYC is easy and convenient.
Patient-Centric Approach
At Prestige Health and Wellness, we prioritize your recovery and long-term shoulder health. Our patient-centered approach ensures that all aspects of your AC Joint Separation are addressed, from pain management to restoring mobility and strength. We work closely with you to ensure a full recovery and safe return to your daily activities or sports.
Insurance and Accessibility
We understand the importance of accessible healthcare. Prestige Health and Wellness accepts most insurance plans without requiring an outside referral, making it easier for you to receive the care you need. Our clinics comply with New York State laws, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let an AC Joint Separation limit your movement or quality of life. Take the first step toward recovery by contacting Prestige Health and Wellness today.
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Visit our convenient locations in the Financial District, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, or NOMAD and experience the exceptional care that sets us apart as the leading NYC chiropractor for AC Joint Separation treatment.