separated AC joint (post-surgery!)

[Maru Ramos]

Hi everyone,
A man came to me very recently, three years after an AC joint surgery to repair a completely separated AC joint. He said the surgery and subsequent PT went "great" (smoothly, quick recovery time), but that the shoulder has since then felt "really weird" and lacking strength. What surprises me is that there is no obvious repair: there's no evidence that the ligaments were rebuilt and the joint is still (by my lights) very clearly separated, with the clavicle sticking out into outer space. He seems to be under the impression that they repaired the joint.
I get my certification very shortly, so this is new to me. I think I know how to approach the rotator cuff and neighboring muscles, but does anyone know--er--anything else about this? He has no pain, just weakness and the feeling of dislocation.
Thank you v. much for any info or suggestions!

 

[As hatred sinks in]

Send him to a chiropractor to be assessed, first. The muscles will need help after the joint is put back in place, but I wouldn't think you could get anywhere at all until that's set.

Sounds awful.

 

[Michealla]

Thanks, Sharon, I will refer him to a chiro.

 

[Gaylord Brunosky]

I'm not sure why he wouldn't go see his surgeon about this. I would be interested to hear what both the surgeon and his PT have to say about the current condition of his AC joint, given that the client himself says the recovery and PT went well.

 

[hagerstown_chic]

separated AC joint (post-surgery!)

Hi everyone,
A man came to me very recently, three years after an AC joint surgery to repair a completely separated AC joint. He said the surgery and subsequent PT went "great" (smoothly, quick recovery time), but that the shoulder has since then felt "really weird" and lacking strength. What surprises me is that there is no obvious repair: there's no evidence that the ligaments were rebuilt and the joint is still (by my lights) very clearly separated, with the clavicle sticking out into outer space. He seems to be under the impression that they repaired the joint.
I get my certification very shortly, so this is new to me. I think I know how to approach the rotator cuff and neighboring muscles, but does anyone know--er--anything else about this? He has no pain, just weakness and the feeling of dislocation.
Thank you v. much for any info or suggestions!

I'm going to be working with a client later this week who separated her AC joint about 5-6 years during a snowboarding accident. I believe she had surgery, but I will ask her more about this when we talk prior to her appointment.

Other than getting information about surgery and any PT or chiropractic treatments she has received, does anyone have some advice for me about questions I might want to ask about her shoulder? Also what are some of the precautions I should take when doing deeper work on the injured shoulder besides checking to be sure that she isn't in any pain?

I apologize for replying to such an old thread, but I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread. Thanks in advance!

 

[kpob53]

separated AC joint (post-surgery!)

Have the client clearly explain how the injury occurred.

What were they doing?
How did their arm move relative to their body?
Was the arm rotated/extended/flexed/etc?
Were they grabbing something, falling, pulling, pushing, etc.?

If possible, see if the client can show you their movement at the time of the injury. This can yield volumes of useful info.

The other thing is to learn what you can about the procedures and therapies this client has experienced, and the current status of the shoulder. What is their complain now? Is the joint stable? Any crepitus or other noises/sensations? How does it compare to their other shoulder? ... and so on...

 

[and improved!]

separated AC joint (post-surgery!)

Have the client clearly explain how the injury occurred.

What were they doing?
How did their arm move relative to their body?
Was the arm rotated/extended/flexed/etc?
Were they grabbing something, falling, pulling, pushing, etc.?

If possible, see if the client can show you their movement at the time of the injury. This can yield volumes of useful info.

The other thing is to learn what you can about the procedures and therapies this client has experienced, and the current status of the shoulder. What is their complain now? Is the joint stable? Any crepitus or other noises/sensations? How does it compare to their other shoulder? ... and so on...

Thanks for you excellent reply Json, Now I have a much better idea of what I need to discuss with my current client as well as any other clients I have in the future who have had shoulder injuries. I really appreciate your help.

 

[Retro95]

separated AC joint (post-surgery!)

Nordic1,
How did the AC work go?