Acromio-clavicular Joint (ACJ) Injury

You have been treated for an ACJ injury. This leaflet explains how to look after your shoulder at home.

What is an acromio-clavicular joint injury?

You have injured the ligaments holding the clavicle (collar bone) to the shoulder bone.

This may result in you having a swelling or bump or a significant protuberance at the end of your collar bone if the ACJ was dislocated. The pain and tenderness you are experiencing in this area will gradually settle over a period of several weeks.

During this time, you may find lifting your shoulder and reaching to the back of your head uncomfortable but it is perfectly safe to try.

How is it treated?

You may be provided with a sling for support. This is only to help with the pain and will not have any effect on the speed of recovery or position of the bones.

You may use the shoulder as much as pain allows and should gradually discard the support over 2–3 weeks as the pain improves, although it can twinge for up to 3 months.

Discharge Advice

Most injuries heal without any problems – however, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely and any visible bump may remain. Occasionally, the injury may fail to settle even after several months.

If you are still experiencing significant symptoms such as pain, sense of instability, reduced strength or loss of confidence in the shoulder after several months then please phone the helpline as listed below for further advice.

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from the hospital you can contact us:

  • If you are still in pain despite this then discuss your follow up care with your GP.
  • If you are very concerned, then you may attend the A and E department however at this time we advise that you do this only if you are very concerned and it is an emergency. The A and E department will be occupied with patients requiring lifesaving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need.

Exercise:

  • To overcome stiffness in your shoulder, do the exercises below.

Remember:

  • Remove brace/splint/sling before exercising.
  • Exercise as the pain allows – do not continue if it is too painful!
  • Complete five of each exercise and as the exercises become easier, build up to completing three times a day: 

1. Lean forwards in a steady, supporting position. Swing your arm forward and backwards, slowly like a pendulum.

2. Then swing your arm across your body and out to the side slowly.

3. Complete by swinging your arm in a circular motion.