A 'Shoulder Seperation' is a common shoulder injury in sports that produces immediate shoulder pain. The term Shoulder Seperation refers to an injury of the ligaments at the Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint. The AC joint is part of the shoulder complex. It is situated at the outside point of the collar bone where it attaches to the front of the shoulder blade. The joint is kept stable by four ligaments: the Acromioclavicular ligament, the Coracoacromial ligament, the Trapezoid ligament and the Conoid ligament.
The AC joint ligaments are most commonly damaged through a fall onto the tip of the shoulder, although in collision sports this force may come from an opponent. The impact forces the shoulder blade down and stretches the ligaments away from the collar bone. The Collar bone and Shoulder Blade become separated, hence the term 'Shoulder Seperation'.
There are 3 basic types of injury:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Most obviously, there is pain and tenderness on the outer part of the collar bone. This shoulder pain is made worse by shoulder movements. The injured person will instinctively cradle the affected shoulder and try to keep it still. If there is a Type 3 injury, the outer part of the collar bone may be sticking upwards and producing a visible lump. An x-ray should be taken to confirm the diagnosis. This will reveal the degree of separation within the AC joint.
| |
Consult a sports injury expert |
| |
Apply ice packs/cold therapy |
| |
Use resistance bands for strengthening exercises |
| |
Wear a shoulder support for reassurance |
In the acute stage of the injury pain-relieving medication is helpful. Ice Packs should be applied to the injured shoulder for 20 minutes every two hours (never apply ice directly to the skin). The Ice Packs relieve pain and reduce bleeding in the damaged tissue. The Aircast Cryo/Cuff is the most effective method of providing ice therapy and is the professional's choice for shoulder injuries. It can provide continuous ice cold water and compression for 6 hours – and significantly reduce shoulder pain and swelling.
A Chartered Physiotherapist can apply a taping technique, which will push the collar bone downwards, and the shoulder should then be placed in a sling and rested. Whilst the shoulder is in a sling it is important to keep the fingers, wrist and elbow mobile by going through their full range of movement every four hours or so. Strengthening exercises using Resistance Bands can be started so long as there is no pain.
In the case of Type 1 injuries, the symptoms usually subside in 7 to 10 days and the sling should then be discarded. Gentle pendulum exercises for the shoulder should be initiated and the range of movement in the shoulder should be gradually increased within the limits of pain. Heavy lifting should be avoided until there is full painless range of movement in the shoulder and the tenderness has subsided.
The treatment for a Type 2 injury is similar, but the sling will have to be worn for about two weeks. After a week gentle range of movement exercises should be started. Twice a day the sling should be removed to perform these movements within the limits of pain. The shoulder should be used as normally as possible for washing and dressing activities, but contact sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Many people find that a Neoprene Shoulder Support is useful following a Shoulder Seperation injury.
Because of the traumatic nature of Shoulder Seperation injuries there is not a lot than can be done to prevent them. In collision sports, such as rugby league and American Football, shoulder pads should be worn to reduce direct contact to the tip of the shoulder.
Deluxe 'Figure of 8' shoulder support for the treatment of a broken Collar bone and Acromio- Clavicular (AC) joint injuries...
BEST SELLER!Used for dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, broken collar bone, Rotator Cuff and Acromio-...
Supportive shoulder brace for the treatment and prevention of Shoulder separations (Acromio-Clavicular (AC) joint injuries)....
A shoulder sling with comfortable foam straps for use following shoulder injuries and shoulder...![]()
(1 review)
Used for dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, broken collar bone, Rotator Cuff and Acromio- Clavicular injuries. Provides...
The best shoulder brace available. Provides maximum protection to prevent a dislocated shoulder; shoulder subluxation; AC joint...
Used for dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, broken collar bone, Rotator Cuff and Acromio- Clavicular injuries. Provides...
Reversible and adjustable neoprene shoulder support with a pocket for inserting a hot/cold pack....![]()
(1 review)
Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...![]()
(1 review)
Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset programmes. Just stick on the...
Essential ice and compression kit to relieve pain, reduce swelling and speed up recovery following a sports injury, muscle...
Durable fabric wrap complete with one 15cm x 22.5cm (6" x 9") reusable Hot/Cold pack. Ideal for shoulder, knee, back, thigh,...
The ultimate shoulder ice therapy. Provides 6 hours continuous cold and compression to minimise...![]()
(1 review)
SAVE UP TO 75%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant ice pack, without the need for refrigeration. ...
SAVE £25!Fantastic value for money continuous ice therapy and compression device for the shoulder. ...
Superb value, 8 x 1m length resistance bands in all 4 varying strengths, for use during rehab exercises for the shoulder, ankle,...
73cm (30") loop of latex free, resistance band for rehab and training exercises. Use for specific strengthening of muscle groups...
Light and medium resistance cords with rotator handles with foam grips for rehab and training exercises. For specific...
This 10cm ball is made of solid rubber and produces crazy, unpredictable bounces. Used for improving hand eye and feet...
Ergonomically designed finger and grip strengthening device, with individual spring resistance for each finger which allows...
Information
& Expertise
You Can Trust
All medical information at PhysioRoom.com is provided by Chartered Physiotherapists, who specialise in sports medicine.
Receive our latest news and offers.
We use full 128-bit encryption technology to keep your order and payment details safe.