AC Joint Injury Treatment

AC Joint Injury Treatment at Move for Life Physio & Health Hub

At Move For Life Physio & Health Hub, we understand how frustrating and limiting a shoulder injury can be, especially when it impacts your ability to lift, reach, or simply go about your daily life. Our physiotherapists are trained in AC joint injury treatment to help you recover fully, reduce pain, and restore optimal shoulder function.

Whether you’re an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or simply injured your shoulder in an everyday mishap, we’ll get you moving comfortably again so you can move for life.

Understanding AC Joint Injuries

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located on top of your shoulder, where your shoulder blade (acromion) meets your collarbone (clavicle). This joint plays a key role in lifting your arm and stabilising your shoulder.

AC joint injuries most commonly result from:

  • A fall directly on the shoulder
  • Sports collision (e.g., football, rugby)
  • Overuse from repetitive overhead movements
  • Straining your arm with heavy weight or an abrupt pull

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the top of the shoulder
  • Swelling or bruising around the joint
  • Tenderness to the touch
  • Limited range of motion
  • A visible bump or deformity in severe cases

Our Approach to AC Joint Injury Treatment

At Move For Life Physio & Health Hub, our practitioners don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We start your AC joint injury treatment plan with assessment by our physiotherapist. We discuss your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and your activity goals, followed by a detailed physical examination.

This covers:

  • Pain management techniques such as gentle mobilisation, taping, and ice therapy
  • Targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, stability, and range of motion
  • Postural correction to reduce strain on the joint
  • Activity modification guidance to prevent re-injury
  • Return-to-sport or work conditioning tailored to your needs


If your injury is severe, such as significant separation or fracture, we recommend seeking a consultation with a trusted orthopaedic specialist for further management and continuity of care.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Delaying care for an AC joint injury can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or shoulder weakness. Early AC joint injury treatment helps:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation sooner
  • Maintain shoulder movement and strength
  • Reduce the risk of creating new injuries by moving the wrong way
  • Shorten recovery time so you can return to your normal activities faster

Who We Help

We regularly treat AC joint injuries in:

  • Athletes in contact sports, swimming, weightlifting, and tennis
  • Workers whose jobs require repeated lifting or overhead tasks
  • Active older adults maintaining independence and mobility
  • People who injure their shoulder during normal daily activities

No matter your age or fitness level, we’ll design a plan that works for your lifestyle and activity goals.  

Why Choose Move for Life Physio for AC Joint Injury Treatment?

  • Experienced physiotherapists with sports and orthopaedic expertise
  • State-of-the-art facilities including a fully equipped rehab gym and pilates studio
  • Collaborative care with podiatrists, dietitians, myotherapists, and psychologists for holistic recovery
  • Preferred provider status with major health funds for better rebates and reduced fees
  • Community-focused approach where we treat you like part of our family, not just as a patient 

Your Recovery, Your Way

We believe in patient-led goals, meaning your treatment is shaped by what you wish to achieve, whether that is returning to sport, regaining work capacity, or simply living pain-free. We’ll support you with education, hands-on care, and a clear home exercise plan to keep your recovery on track. 

Book Your AC Joint Injury Treatment Today

Think you might have hurt your AC joint? See a physiotherapist before it gets worse. Our friendly team at Move for Life Physio & Health Hub in Mentone is ready to help you recover, rebuild strength, and get back to doing what you love.

Book your visit today! Call (03) 9584 2000 or schedule an appointment online

FAQs

What’s the usual recovery time for an AC joint injury?

Recovery time depends on the severity. Mild sprains may improve within 2-4 weeks, while more significant injuries may take several months. 

No. Most AC joint injuries respond well to physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation, without the need for surgery. 

Yes, but only under professional supervision. We’ll give you exercises that aid recovery without aggravating the injury. 

With early treatment and proper rehabilitation, most patients make a full recovery and return to their usual activities pain-free.