Joint separations are graded from mild (grade one) to severe (grade three). Grade one is a sprain, grade two is a partial separation, and grade three is a full separation. A grade one AC separation might just feel sore, while a grade three separation might cause intense pain. [1] X Research source Grades one through three are the most common classifications, but there are actually three more grades: four, five, and six. These are rare and usually involve tearing of the deltoid and/or trapezius muscles. [2] X Research source Along with pain, you might also notice some swelling in your shoulder if you have a grade two or grade three AC separation. [3] X Research source

Keep in mind that hearing a popping sound is more common with a grade three separation. [4] X Research source See your doctor as soon as possible if you hear popping sounds.

Having a bump on your shoulder is more common with a grade three separation. [5] X Research source See your doctor right away if you notice a bump.

Movement in your clavicle is also more common with a grade three AC separation and indicates that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lift your shoulder up. Push your shoulder down. Pull your shoulder across your body. Pull your shoulder out to the side. Pull your shoulder back and stretch it behind your head.

Sit or stand still and begin to press gently into your affected shoulder. Try this with your unaffected shoulder as well to see if both shoulders feel the same. The sensation you are trying to feel for is similar to when your body parts “fall asleep. ”

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and x-rays to determine if you have an AC separation or if something else is causing your pain. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Make sure that you give your skin a break after 20 minutes and allow it to return to normal temperature. Otherwise, you risk getting frostbite.

Ask your doctor if you are not sure about how much to take.

Avoid moving your shoulder in any way that makes it feel worse. Try to keep it in a position that feels comfortable.

Do not attempt to do strength training or stretching exercises without your doctor’s permission. Also, make sure that the exercises you do are approved by your doctor. Some exercises might aggravate your injury.

Keep in mind that surgery is reserved for cases that do not heal with conservative therapy, have persistent pain or a severe deformity. . Most separated AC joints will heal on their own within a few days to 12 weeks. [13] X Research source

Reflect on your activities over the last few weeks to see if you can identify the cause of your injury. Try to determine if there was a time when you fell down, got into an accident, or experienced sudden pain in your shoulder.

Hockey Gymnastics Skiing Wrestling Football

Develop arthritis Have a displaced clavicle bone Damage other structures in your shoulder, such as your rotator cuff