Separated Shoulder

• A separated shoulder is a stretch or tear in the ligaments of the acromioclavicular or AC joint. The AC joint is the upper most shoulder joint connecting the scapula, or shoulder blade, to the clavicle, or collarbone, and the humerus, or the upper arm bone. This joint provides shoulder mobility, especially the ability to raise the arm over the head. A separated shoulder occurs when the shoulder blade and collarbone attachment is disrupted. This commonly occurs with trauma to the shoulder in the form of some sort of direct blow.
  
  Symptoms of a separated shoulder include immediate pain and inflammation or swelling to the area with evidence of a lump on the top of the shoulder. Shoulder bruising and limitations of range of motion may be present. In severe cases, shoulder or arm weakness can occur.
  
  

Exercises for Separated Shoulder -- Acute Phase

• General rehabilitation goals for separated shoulder include mobility, flexibility and strength of the shoulder and surrounding areas. During the acute phase of injury, which can last for several weeks following the injury, management of inflammation and pain with the preservation of movement is essential. This can be accomplished through ice, pain and inflammation medications and rest to allow for ligament healing. Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises maintain joint flexibility and mobility.
  
  

Exercises for Separated Shoulder -- Rehabilitation

• Once the shoulder ligaments have healed a comprehensive stretching, range of motion and strengthening program to include the shoulder and the arm will decrease the risk for future injuries. Active range of motion of the shoulder in all planes can be performed with or without weights, or with progressive resistance, a gradual increase of weights to increase muscle strength. This can be accomplished by moving the arm through available range straight out in front and progressing to behind the body in a controlled fashion. The arm then can be moved out to the side and across the body.
  
  

Challenge Exercises for Separated Shoulder

• Other exercises beneficial to the rehabilitation of a separated shoulder include shoulder shrugs, the bench press, dips and upright row. Shoulder shrugs are performed by lifting shoulders towards ears. The bench press is performed lying on back and lifting both arms up at shoulder level. Dips require two waist-high bars or a counter top. Lift body up onto bars with arms straight and slowly bend elbows or dip down. Start with feet on the ground and progress to supporting body weight through arms and shoulders. Upright rows are performed with arms in the starting position hanging down in front. Slowly bend at elbows keeping hands together, towards the chin.
  
  For added challenge, add weights or perform shoulder exercises on a fitness ball to increase proprioception, the body's perception in space. The fitness ball helps the body, including the shoulder, to increase the response to external stimulus. To return to normal physical activity, incorporate sport-specific movements, such as practicing golf swing or throwing a ball to return to optimal physical form.