SUFFER FROM ACROMIOCLAVICULAR SEPARATION?
SUFFER FROM ACROMIOCLAVICULAR SEPARATION?
Acromioclavicular separation is one of the more common injuries of the shoulder. AC separation is almost always due to a traumatic incident. It occurs more commonly in contact sports like football and hockey, but can also occur in other sports when accidents happen. Usually when someone has an AC joint separation they will have sharp shoulder pain after either falling directly onto their shoulder or after trying to catch themselves while falling by using an outstretched hand.
AC separations are technically sprains, and just like most other sprains they have three grades. A grade 1 AC joint sprain involves a minor tear of the acromioclavicular ligament. There is no associated instability in the shoulder with a grade 1 sprain. The main symptom is pain. A grade 2 AC joint sprain is slightly different than other grade 2 sprains. In a grade 2 AC joint sprain there is either a mostly torn or complete rupture of the AC ligament. This will present with instability and sharp pain. There is likely to also be a small bump around the AC joint. This small bump may be fairly large if the area is still inflamed. A grade 3 AC joint sprain will have a complete rupture of both the AC ligament and the coracoclavicular ligament. This condition will present as instability, sharp pain, and a noticeable deformity over the AC joint. Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation wants to help you.
HOW ARE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR SEPARATIONS IN FOX CHAPEL DIAGNOSED?
A patient’s history is the first marker of someone having an AC joint separation. The patient will almost always have a history of trauma directly to the shoulder or to an outstretched hand. The next step to making a diagnosis will involve palpation of the area. The area directly over the AC joint will be painful to the touch. There is also likely to be palpable or visible swelling.
If a grade 1 sprain is present there will likely not be a visible deformity over the joint. If the patient at Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Fox Chapel presents with the above findings, a diagnosis of a grade 1 sprain can be made. If there is a visible deformity, X-rays both weighted and unweighted will be needed. From the X-rays it can be determined which grade of sprain is present by looking at the amount of space at the AC joint.
HOW ARE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT SEPARATIONS TREATED?
AC joint separations can be treated using conservative care. Using rehabilitation and conservative therapies an AC joint sprain can be nursed back to full health. This is even true of a grade 3 tear. A grade 3 tear, and possibly a grade 2 tear, will however leave a visible deformity over the AC joint.
It is generally recommended that someone with a grade 3 tear receive surgery. While conservative care can be equally effective to surgery for all three grades of tears, a grade 3 tear will be more difficult to treat using rehab alone, and may be more likely to have issues down the road if surgery is not performed. If you think you have an AC joint separation call us today at Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Fox Chapel to see if we can help you.
CAN LASER THERAPY HELP AN AC JOINT SEPARATION?
In some cases, laser therapy can be a useful complement to a rehabilitation plan. When clinically appropriate, it may help support short-term pain reduction and help calm irritated tissue so you can tolerate rehab exercises more comfortably. Laser therapy is not a standalone fix for an AC separation, and it does not “reconnect” ligaments, but it can be a helpful tool as part of an overall plan.
If you want to learn more about this modality, see our laser page here:
Low Level Laser Therapy in Pittsburgh.
References
- Souza, T. A. (2016). Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
About the Author
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP | Last reviewed: March 8, 2026
Reviewed for clinical accuracy using an evidence-based, conservative care framework.
Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP
Primary Spine Practitioner & Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner
Founder of The Pittsburgh Chiropractor LLC, Dr. Tauberg is a dual-credentialed healthcare provider (Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse). He specializes in evidence-based spine care and sports medicine, leveraging his advanced training in spine care, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to help active individuals and athletes recover from musculoskeletal injuries and return to the activities they enjoy.
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Education & training
- Doctor of Chiropractic: National University of Health Sciences
- Primary Spine Practitioner Certification: University of Pittsburgh
- Nursing Education: Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC); Capella University
- Graduate Nursing: William Paterson University (FNP program)
- Undergraduate: Eckerd College (Psychology)
Certifications Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP)
Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP®)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Professional Affiliation Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
Direct Clinical Line (412) 517-8124
Content Standards Evidence-based guidance, reviewed and updated regularly
Pittsburgh: 55 Alpha Drive West Suite 6, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Gibsonia: 5332 William Flynn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Clinical Content Last Verified: March 8, 2026
Educational disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you have severe symptoms, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, recent trauma, or loss of bowel or bladder control, seek urgent evaluation.