1. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain

2. What is the AC joint? Its a joint in the shoulder that consists of the lateral end of the clavicle and the acromion process. Its a joint in the shoulder that consists of the lateral end of the clavicle and the acromion process. A cartilage disk separates the two bones, and a thin capsule surrounds the joint. A cartilage disk separates the two bones, and a thin capsule surrounds the joint. The joint is a pretty weak joint. The joint is a pretty weak joint.

3. General Information About AC Joint Injuries Injuries to the AC joint are most often caused by contact sports, falling on an outstretched arm and doing too many overhead exercises. Injuries to the AC joint are most often caused by contact sports, falling on an outstretched arm and doing too many overhead exercises. There are many different kinds of AC joint injuries including sprains, tears, dislocations, and ruptures of ligaments. There are many different kinds of AC joint injuries including sprains, tears, dislocations, and ruptures of ligaments. Injuries to the AC joint result in loss of range of motion, inflammation, and loss of strength. Injuries to the AC joint result in loss of range of motion, inflammation, and loss of strength. The severity of the injury determines the treatment required. The severity of the injury determines the treatment required.

4. Treatment Options In the case of a sprain one would remove the athlete from the sport if there is any question of his ability to play. If he can play, then a protective pad should be put on the injury to protect it from more damage. In the case of a sprain one would remove the athlete from the sport if there is any question of his ability to play. If he can play, then a protective pad should be put on the injury to protect it from more damage. Make the athlete wear a sling and make sure to ice the area. Make the athlete wear a sling and make sure to ice the area. Have the athlete take an NSAIDS to help with any pain and to reduce the amount of inflammation. Have the athlete take an NSAIDS to help with any pain and to reduce the amount of inflammation. The day after the injury happens, one should practice their range of motion. The day after the injury happens, one should practice their range of motion. As soon as the pain dulls, start strengthening the joint again. As soon as the pain dulls, start strengthening the joint again. If after 2-3 days the athlete still cant work out, have the injury checked out by a surgeon. If after 2-3 days the athlete still cant work out, have the injury checked out by a surgeon.

5. Sources of Information Arnheims Principles of Athletic Training written by William E. Prentice, 12 th Edition ( General Information) Arnheims Principles of Athletic Training written by William E. Prentice, 12 th Edition ( General Information) http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/UE/Sho ulder/a_-_c_sprain.htm (information) http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/UE/Sho ulder/a_-_c_sprain.htm (information) http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/UE/Sho ulder/a_-_c_sprain.htm http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/UE/Sho ulder/a_-_c_sprain.htm http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/11 _01/johnson.htm (information) http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/11 _01/johnson.htm (information) http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/11 _01/johnson.htm http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/11 _01/johnson.htm www.athleticadvisor.com/.../a-c_tear.htm (picture) www.athleticadvisor.com/.../a-c_tear.htm (picture) www.weissortho.com/.../shoulder/acsprain.html (picture) www.weissortho.com/.../shoulder/acsprain.html (picture)