About your visit
We have examined you and have ascertained that you have injured the joint between your collar bone and shoulder blade, also known as the AC joint or the acromioclavicular joint. We have given you pain-relieving medicine and a sling to immobilise your shoulder. The treatment consists of rest and exercises. Surgery is very rarely necessary.
When you get home
Contact your general practitioner if the pain or swelling increases
It is normal to feel pain in the joint when you have an injury. The joint may also bruise and swell a little bit. These symptoms will disappear within a few weeks. Avoid any heavy lifting or pushing during this period.
Call your general practitioner if the pain continues or the shoulder is still swollen after one week.
Take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain
You should take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine can be bought over the counter. Take only the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package. Contact your general practitioner if you need help managing the pain.
Use an ice compress
You can prepare an ice compress and place it on the swollen area or where you are experiencing pain. Wrap a bag of ice in a tea towel, for example, to avoid direct contact with your skin. Use a compress 3-5 times a day for the first 24 hours for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Use a sling
If you are in a lot of pain, it can help to wear a sling on your arm occasionally. This is usually only necessary for the first one to three weeks.
Move your arm
Move your arm several times a day, in all directions, right up to your pain threshold. Your physician may have laid out a plan for how much load you should place on your arm or how much you may move it. Always follow this plan.
You can begin exercising again once the swelling and pain have ceased
You can begin exercising again once the pain and swelling have ceased. It is important to start slowly and always pay attention to how your body reacts. Plan your exercises around times when your pain is well managed. You may exercise to the edge of your pain threshold.
You must do exercises
Start doing exercises 24-48 hours after the injury. It is normal for the exercises to hurt. Exercise at a steady pace and avoid forcing a movement if you feel resistance or strong pain. Plan your training for when your pain is well managed.
Do the exercises several times a day. Repeat each exercise 5–10 times.
Exercise 1
Use a cloth and sit at a table sideways. Place the cloth flat on the table and rest your hand and forearm on the cloth with your palm facing down.
- Move the cloth back and forth, out to the sides and in circles on the table using your hand and forearm.
Exercise 3
Stand leaning slightly forward and support yourself with your other arm on a table or chair.
- Let your injured arm hang down alongside your body.
- Move your arm back and forth, in front of you and in circles.
Check-ups
We will determine whether you need to come to the hospital for a check-up. If you need to visit the hospital for a check-up, we will notify you via digital or physical post. The check-up is at Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic (Ortopædkirurgisk Ambulatorium) at Hvidovre Hospital. We will also discuss further treatment at the check-up.
If your condition deteriorates before your check-up, do not wait, contact your general practitioner. If your condition deteriorates acutely, dial 1813 to reach the medical helpline.