Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After AC Joint Reconstruction: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore stability and function to the joint connecting the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (acromion). Recovery requires a tailored rehabilitation program to promote healing, restore range of motion, and rebuild strength. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide personalised physiotherapy plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your recovery journey.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After AC Joint Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy is essential for:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early recovery phase focuses on protecting the surgical repair and managing symptoms:
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to optimise your healing process:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken After AC Joint Reconstruction?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
The timeline varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After AC Joint Reconstruction?
Rehabilitation targets key muscles for shoulder stability and function:
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress in stages to ensure safety and effectiveness:
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements physiotherapy by offering:
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Joint Reconstruction Rehabilitation
How long after AC joint reconstruction can I move my arm?
How painful is recovery from AC joint reconstruction?
How to sleep after AC joint reconstruction?
When can I stop wearing my sling?
When can I return to sports or heavy lifting?
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our expert physiotherapists are here to help you regain strength, stability, and confidence after AC joint reconstruction. Contact us today to book your consultation and start your personalised rehabilitation plan!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore stability and function to the joint connecting the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (acromion). Recovery requires a tailored rehabilitation program to promote healing, restore range of motion, and rebuild strength. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide personalised physiotherapy plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your recovery journey.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After AC Joint Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy is essential for:
- Restoring joint function: Exercises improve range of motion, stability, and overall shoulder mechanics.
- Rebuilding strength: Focused strengthening helps protect the joint and prevent compensatory movement patterns.
- Preventing complications: Reduces risks of stiffness, instability, and future injury.
- Guiding safe recovery: Progression through rehab stages ensures you avoid stressing the surgical repair.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early recovery phase focuses on protecting the surgical repair and managing symptoms:
- Pain and swelling management: Use of ice therapy, elevation, and prescribed medication.
- Sling use: A sling may be worn for 4–6 weeks to protect the AC joint and promote healing.
- Gentle mobility exercises: Begin with passive range-of-motion exercises as advised by your physiotherapist.
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to optimise your healing process:
Manual Therapy
- Soft tissue therapy: Releases tension in compensating muscles such as the upper trapezius or pectorals.
- Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques for the shoulder, scapula, and thoracic spine to improve mobility.
- Scar management: Specific techniques to minimise adhesions and enhance tissue flexibility.
- Support and alignment: Kinesiology or rigid taping provides stability and guides proper shoulder mechanics.
- Cryotherapy: Ice packs help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise swelling.
- Activity modification: Learn safe techniques for daily activities like dressing and reaching.
- Postural advice: Maintain alignment to reduce strain on the AC joint.
- Gradual progression: Your physiotherapist will guide the pace of your recovery to avoid setbacks.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After AC Joint Reconstruction?
- Wear your sling as directed: Protect the repair during the initial healing phase.
- Avoid overhead activities: Steer clear of lifting, pushing, or pulling in early recovery.
- Follow weight-bearing restrictions: Avoid using the surgical arm for support or heavy lifting.
- Adhere to your rehab plan: Progress strength and activity levels only as recommended by your physiotherapist.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
The timeline varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery:
- 0–6 weeks: Focus on pain management, sling use, and gentle mobility exercises.
- 6–12 weeks: Gradual strengthening and reintroduction of functional shoulder movements.
- 3–6 months: Progression to dynamic activities, including sports-specific training if needed.
- 6–12 months: Return to high-impact activities, with full strength and function restored.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After AC Joint Reconstruction?
Rehabilitation targets key muscles for shoulder stability and function:
- Rotator cuff muscles: Provide dynamic stability to the shoulder joint.
- Scapular stabilisers: Ensure proper shoulder blade movement and posture.
- Deltoids: Restore shoulder strength for lifting and reaching.
- Core muscles: Support overall upper body stability during movement.
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress in stages to ensure safety and effectiveness:
- Early stages: Pendulum exercises, isometric contractions, and passive range-of-motion movements.
- Mid-stages: Resistance band exercises, scapular stabilisation drills, and light weightlifting.
- Later stages: Functional movements like push-ups, overhead presses, and Clinical Pilates for advanced strengthening.
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements physiotherapy by offering:
- Core stability: Builds a strong foundation for upper body movements.
- Controlled motion: Focus on alignment and precision to protect the AC joint.
- Improved flexibility and strength: Gradually enhances functional movement and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Joint Reconstruction Rehabilitation
How long after AC joint reconstruction can I move my arm?
- Gentle, passive arm movements may start in the first 1–2 weeks, progressing to active motion around 4–6 weeks.
How painful is recovery from AC joint reconstruction?
- Post-surgical pain is normal and managed with medication, ice therapy, and physiotherapy. Exercise-related discomfort is expected but should decrease as you progress.
How to sleep after AC joint reconstruction?
- Sleep semi-reclined using pillows to support your upper body and arm. Avoid lying on the surgical side.
When can I stop wearing my sling?
- Most patients discontinue the sling around 4–6 weeks post-surgery, as advised by their surgeon or physiotherapist.
When can I return to sports or heavy lifting?
- High-impact activities are typically resumed around 6–9 months, depending on your recovery progress.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our expert physiotherapists are here to help you regain strength, stability, and confidence after AC joint reconstruction. Contact us today to book your consultation and start your personalised rehabilitation plan!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
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