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AC Joint

How Chiropractic Helps Those That Suffer From Acromioclavicular Pain 
A Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas Chiropractor’s Perspective

Here at Venturis Clinic, when a patient comes in with complaints of pain in the shoulder and limited range of motion in the joint, one possible diagnosis may be acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury. It is often an injury that is common among athletes yet can happen to anyone. Fortunately, chiropractic is a very effective treatment. What is an acromioclavicular joint injury?
There are two bones, the clavicle and acromion, that make up the AC joint. Four ligaments hold the joint together. When those ligaments are strained to stressed, it results in an AC joint injury, often causing at least some joint separation. AC injuries fall into one of two categories: overuse and traumatic.
Overuse injury occurs over a period of time and is caused by excessive stress on the joint that is repeated or consistent. This causes damage to the cartilage and can lead to AC joint arthritis.
Traumatic injury occurs when the damaged ligaments cause a disruption of the joint called a shoulder separation. This is different from a shoulder dislocation which involves the actual ball and socket shoulder joint.

What causes acromioclavicular joint injury?

The cause of an AC joint injury depends on the type of injury. Overuse AC joint injuries is caused by constant use of the joint and is commonly seen in people who perform tasks that involve lifting heavy weight (including military or bench presses) or that perform physical labor that involves often stretching their arms over their heads. Traumatic AC joint injuries are often caused by a fall. The person may fall and land on their shoulder or brace their fall with their hand then they put it out. It can often be seen in cyclists who are involved in crashes, football players when they are tackles, or a laborer who falls from a high place, such as a ladder. These injuries are graded from mild to severe, depending on how much the separation there is in the joint.

What are the symptoms of acromioclavicular joint pain?

A patient with AC joint pain may experience the following symptoms:
A bump that sits above the shoulder and can be easily visible
A catching sensation or popping sound when the shoulder rotates
Pain and swelling in the shoulder
Limited of range of motion of the shoulder.
Decrease in shoulder strength
Tenderness and swelling over the AC joint
Pain and discomfort when lying on the affected side
Pain in the shoulder when performing activities that place stress on the AC joint, including:
Carrying heavy objects at the side
Reaching across the body
Lifting objects overhead
Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
405.848.7246
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What are the treatments for acromioclavicular joint pain?

Mild cases of AC joint trauma and injuries are often treated with chiropractic care, stretching and or Prolotherapy. Ice, rest, pain creams, and immobilization can also be used to manage the pain. More severe cases may be candidates for Prolotherapy.

Is chiropractic for acromioclavicular joint pain effective?

Chiropractic has been proven to be very effective for AC joint pain. Dr. Alvin Philipose performs what is called an AC adjustment which involves manipulation of the shoulder. While it can be a little uncomfortable for the patient, it is one of the best ways to quickly decrease the pain. After the procedure, the Dr. Alvin Philipose may recommend icing the area to minimize or prevent swelling and pain. Regular chiropractic care can ensure continued mobility and continued decrease in pain.

Specific Chiropractic Care in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

When it comes to shoulder pain, there are usually several different elements involved. It’s very important to look at the whole patient rather than just the area of the problem. Therefore, Dr. Alvin Philipose has an effective outcome at treating acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury pain. Not only does he address the AC joint itself through chiropractic adjustments, but he will also adjust the neck as well, which operate very closely and provides optimal function in this region.
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and extremely effective. They correct the misalignment, which can improve mobility and decrease pain. Many times, a care plan is required for your body to fully adopt the changes that are being made through your care. Dr. Alvin Philipose will outline your care plan in detail and make sure you understand why it is important to follow it as intended.

Therapeutic Stretching

When it comes to acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury pain also commonly known as shoulder pain, in most cases there is some degree of muscle imbalance occurring in the muscles that surround the shoulder. For example, if you have a desk job, there is almost certainly muscle weakness existing in the bicep, triceps muscles because they are turned off when you have an injury in that area – they are not needed for any type of work. Over time, they get weak, and it causes dysfunction in this specific area. Conversely, utilizing your shoulder repetitiously may cause abnormal tight shoulder muscles. Stretching is one of the most common therapies we utilize at Venturis Clinic. Our patients work side by side with Dr. Philipose to strengthen what is weak and stretch what is tight to obtain optimal muscle balance. This helps to improve posture, decrease pain, and improve mobility and function. In this manner, the hip becomes more functional and less of a burden to the individual.
If you work at a desk and are experiencing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands, there are a few tips you can try to help alleviate some of the discomfort. First, if possible, take more work breaks. If you can take a short break every hour, it can alleviate the tension that builds up in the wrists and hands which makes symptoms worsen. It’s a good way to reset the hands and prepare for another productive spell of work. Second, do some gentle stretching both before and after work. This can help warm your forearm muscles up so they are more mobile and under less stress as you begin your daily work.

Common Causes of Acromioclavicular Pain in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Bursitis

The shoulder joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae (sing. bursa). Bursae act as “cushions” for the shoulder joints, offering support for the weight-bearing role these joints play. Over time, however, commonly due to increased pressure and repetitive stress, the bursae can become inflamed in a condition known as Bursitis. Bursitis can cause shoulder pain and limited mobility due to tenderness. Treatment for bursitis consists usually of mobility stretching, heat and Prolotherapy. To prevent bursitis from occurring in the future, it is important to take protective measures. Regular exercise is one great way to avoid it, but you must remember to stretch adequately and use proper lifting techniques if working with weights. Improper lifting mechanics could unnecessarily load the hip joints to the point where the bursae are irritated and become inflamed.

Arthritis

Arthritis of the shoulder is one of the most common causes of chronic shoulder pain. Arthritis means that the joint space between the 2 bones has diminished in size, which leads to a decrease in range of motion and can cause an increase in pain. Two of the most common types of arthritis that affect the shoulder joint are degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Degenerative arthritis refers to everyday “wear and tear” that occurs and accumulates over time. It gradually leads to narrowing of the joint space and increased stiffness and soreness, usually on one side or the other. Risk factors for degenerative arthritis include age, weight, and repetitive stress or motions to the joints over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks joints in the body such as the shoulder joint. It causes inflammation and deep discomfort in the joint. Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include things like family history, age, weight, and environmental exposures. Arthritis of any kind can be helped through things like chiropractic and exercise because it emphasizes mobility of the joint. Arthritis can’t be reversed, but it can be effectively managed, and its progression can be slowed down or halted in some cases. Movement is king, so the more you move your hip joints, the longer you will be able to move your hip joints in the future.

Tendinitis

Many muscles are responsible for moving the shoulder joint. All these muscles are attached close to the shoulder joint via tendons, which connect muscle bellies to their boney attachment site. Sometimes, either through acute injury or repetitive stress, these tendons can become thickened and swollen. This is known as tendinitis, and it can be a very painful condition. The stiffness that ensues can restrict range of motion and decrease overall function of the joint. It can be a nagging injury that lingers if it is not properly managed. Chiropractic care, Prolotherapy, and stretching are great ways to help these tendons make a full recovery and get back to normal function.
Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
405.848.7246
Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging
Offering variety of pain management solutions 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prolotherapy good for?

Many conditions respond well to prolotherapy, such as facet syndrome (back and neck arthritis), whiplash, joint sprains, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, chronic tendonitis, Ehler’s-Danlos Disease, Bulging disc, knee pain, shoulder pain Vagus nerve inflammation and more.

What are the risks of prolotherapy?

Theoretical risks of prolotherapy injections include soreness, infection or neurological (nerve) damage. Injections should be performed by trained physicians using universal precautions diagnostics examinations and tproper examinations. This results in very minimal side effects.

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Costs vary quite a bit from $150-$1500 dependent on type and contents of injections.

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

Prolotherapy is an all-natural, permanent treatment, as it relies on the body repairing itself to reduce pain. In contrast, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications only provide temporary relief. Booster shots as well has wellness therapies including stretching, massage, chiropractic, dry-needling and strengthening will help maintain progress.

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

More specifically, prolotherapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following: Damaged or lost tissue, especially surrounding the joints. If patients have tried various traditional treatments including prescription drugs, physical therapy, or steroids but seen minimal to no results, prolotherapy may be right for you.

Why does prolotherapy hurt so much?

A patient is generally sore for a couple of days after Prolotherapy. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, dry needling and moist heat applied to the area is recommended.

Is prolotherapy better than cortisone?

Cortisone can cause tendon rupture, particularly of the achilles tendon. Prolotherapy is a proven orthopedic treatment to reduce pain and strengthen weakened joints without the negative side effects of cortisone.

What are the pros and cons of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is great for strengthening weak joints and creating heightened muscle functionality, such as increased movement and flexibility. However, there are some risks involved, for example it is a shot like any other so there could be pain or tenderness to the injection site.

What should you not do after prolotherapy?

Due to the numbness we ask that you refrain from any strenuous activities but to stay mobile. Continue to move affected area to decrease soreness and stiffness. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days following injections. You will experience some pain and soreness 2-5 days after your treatment. Do not take any anti-inflammatories, pain medications or steroids during treatments. This may inhibit your body’s ability to heal the affected tissue.

How long does prolotherapy take to heal?

Most ligaments and tendons heal within a period of 3 months; however, the majority of healing after a prolotherapy session occurs in the first two weeks.

How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?

Prolotherapy treatments vary from person to person and from injury to injury. Many patients have experienced some relief of their pain with only one session. The average person requires anywhere from 3-12 treatment sessions spaced about 3-6 weeks apart from each other.

How long does a prolotherapy injection last?

On average, patients experience one year of improvement and relief from prolotherapy. However, there is a huge variation and sometimes improvement lasts from three months to 15 years.

What is injected during prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy involves injections of a mild irritant into the injured part of your body. Most of the time the injection contains saline, dextrose (a type of sugar), and lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Dr. Philipose custom tailors the injection, so the exact composition depends on your needs. These injections may include natural collagen, minerals, amino acids and other natural substances to accelerate healing compared to traditional prolotherapy.

Is prolotherapy better than surgery?

Prolotherapy is considered a viable alternative to surgery, and as an option to pain medications, cortisone and other steroidal injections. The Prolotherapy procedure is considered a safe, affordable option that allows the patient to keep working and/or training during treatment.

Can prolotherapy reverse arthritis?

One study with 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis involved some participants getting monthly prolotherapy injections of dextrose for 3 to 5 months. Those who received prolotherapy saw a significant improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores.

Does prolotherapy regrow cartilage?

Prolotherapy is an injection of a non-biologic substance with localized effects for repairing connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Recent studies in humans show that prolotherapy stimulates cartilage regeneration.

Are you sedated for prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a safe, cost effective injection technique used for treating musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain in various parts of the body. It is noninvasive, has limited side effects and does not require sedation.

What does dry needling actually do?

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

We use very thin filament needles. The initial feeling of the needle entering through the skin is very minimal; much less than a vaccination or having blood drawn. Once the needle reaches the muscle, the twitch sensation feels more like a deep cramp and doesn't last long (15-30 seconds).

How long does dry needling results last?

After dry needling, experiencing some slight soreness is normal, and you will typically note an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. How long the benefits will last will vary per individual. The first few treatments will usually have a short length of relief spanning over several days.

How many sessions of dry needling do you need?

If treatment zones are found and the correct muscle groups are targeted, sub-acute conditions will improve after three – four consecutive sessions, with chronic injuries requiring five – six consecutive needling sessions.

Does dry needling remove knots?

Dry needle therapy resolves muscle knots by inserting a very thin needle directly into the trigger point. The knot responds to the interruption and relaxes immediately. Most patients agree that dry needling doesn't hurt in the way that you might think!

How deep do dry needles go?

Superficial dry needling involves inserting a needle at a depth up to 10 mm or into the subcutaneous tissue and may be combined with manipulation of the needle while in situ.

Does dry needling reduce inflammation?

The micro tears caused by the needle prompts the body's natural defenses to get to work, bringing nutrient-rich blood to the site and boosting tissue repair. Dry needling also helps to dissipate inflammatory mediators, those substances that gather in an area of inflammation.

Is dry needling good for arthritis?

Dry needling is an effective treatment in reducing pain from osteoarthritis because it increases blood circulation around the joint, thereby providing natural relief.

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is trained to make sure your body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations and other therapies to relieve pain in your joints and muscles. These spinal adjustments will increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the joints and muscles that are experiencing pain. They are taught philosophically to find and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Is it healthy to go to the chiropractor?

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from acute or chronic conditions such as strains, arthritis or disc injuries.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

• Improves neck pain.
• Reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers. 
• Eases back pain.
• Possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms. 
• Eases headache symptoms. 
• More affordable treatment for chronic back pain. 
• High satisfaction. 
• Reduces scoliosis symptoms.

What are the cons of seeing a chiropractor?

Spinal and joint manipulation has a chance to go wrong and may cause unwanted injuries. So it is important that you only have an appointment with an experienced chiropractor that performs the necessary examinations and diagnostics to ensure safe treatments. DO NOT ALLOW a physical therapist or any other untrained person try a manipulation especially without X-rays.

When should you go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are most sought after to treat neck and low back pain due to acute or chronic pain. If you experience back pain that lasts for more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment.

What cracks when you see a chiropractor?

During a back adjustment, your back undergoes quick, gentle stretching of the spinal facet joint, so you may hear a cracking or popping noise. This is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints.

Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?

Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again

Is chiropractic care is ineffective?

Critics are skeptical mainly due to the fact that chiropractic care does not involve medications or any invasive surgeries. Some have associated this practice with some side effects and fatal complications in some cases resulting in death or stroke. It also goes against the medical philosophy of not prescribing medications. In recent years there has been a comparison that shows not only Chiropractic to be safe, but healthier and more successful than taking steroids and medications. There are also various techniques now that prevent any type of injuries due the gentleness of the adjustment.

Why do some chiropractors crack and others don't?

The noises you hear during chiropractic treatment depend on the technique used. For example, some techniques cause a cracking sound, and others don't, but both can be highly effective, depending on your needs. So, whether you hear an abundance of pops or none at all, you don't need to worry.
If you have tried multiple types of doctors and treatments but still hurting, you may not have found the cause. We can help!
Find Us
7917 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, 
OK 73120, USA
(405) 848-7246
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