Non-Operative Shoulder Separation Treatment
Non-Operative Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- a sling
- cold packs
- medications
can often help manage the pain.
Sometimes, a doctor may use more complicated supports to help lessen AC joint motion and lessen pain.
Most people return to near full function with this injury, even if there is a persistent, significant deformity. Some people have continued pain in the area of the AC joint, even with only a mild deformity.
This may be due to:
- Abnormal contact between the bone ends when the joint is in motion
- Development of arthritis
- Injury to a disc-like piece of cushioning cartilage that is often found between the bone ends of this joint
It is often worthwhile to wait and see if reasonable function returns without surgical treatment.