Understanding A/C Sprains and Separations: Restoring Shoulder Alignment and Function
The acromioclavicular (A/C) joint is one of the most important yet often overlooked parts of the shoulder. It connects your clavicle (collarbone) to the acromion of your scapula, allowing your arm to move freely while maintaining shoulder stability and balance.
When this small joint becomes injured—whether from a fall, a tackle, or overuse—it can result in an A/C sprain or separation, often leading to pain, swelling, and shoulder instability. At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we frequently see these injuries in both athletes and active adults who want to maintain optimal performance and alignment.
Using the Gonstead chiropractic method, we analyze and correct the shoulder joint with precision to restore motion, strength, and confidence—without surgery or unnecessary downtime.
What Is an A/C Sprain or Separation?
An A/C sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the clavicle and acromion together become stretched or torn. This can range from a mild sprain with subtle pain to a complete separation where the collarbone visibly elevates above the shoulder.
These injuries are common in Sarasota athletes—particularly in pickleball, baseball, and cycling—as well as in people who experience falls or heavy lifting injuries. Children can also sustain A/C injuries through sports or playground impacts, though their developing bones make diagnosis slightly different.
How Chiropractors Evaluate the A/C Joint
Accurate X-ray imaging is essential to determine the severity of an A/C injury. At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we use specialized A/P and Zanca view radiographs to evaluate joint spacing, ligament integrity, and bone positioning.
Here’s what we look for:
A/C joint space width: In adults, this space normally measures between 1–3 mm. Anything greater often suggests ligament damage.
Coracoclavicular (C/C) distance: The space between the clavicle and coracoid process is typically 11–13 mm. A widening greater than 5 mm compared to the opposite side indicates a more serious separation.
Clavicular alignment: Elevation or displacement of the distal clavicle relative to the acromion helps determine the grade of injury.
The Grading System Explained
A/C separations are typically graded from Type I to Type VI, depending on how much damage has occurred to the ligaments and surrounding structures:
Type I: A mild sprain of the A/C ligament. There’s tenderness but no visible deformity, and X-rays look normal.
Type II: Partial tearing of the A/C ligament with slight elevation of the clavicle. The coracoclavicular (C/C) ligaments remain mostly intact.
Type III: Complete rupture of both the A/C and C/C ligaments, leading to a visible bump at the shoulder tip.
Type IV: The clavicle is displaced backward into the trapezius muscle—this requires immediate medical attention.
Type V: A more severe version of Type III with greater displacement and tissue damage.
Type VI: Extremely rare, where the clavicle is pushed downward under the coracoid process, usually from high-energy trauma.
Pediatric A/C Separation Considerations
In children, what appears to be an A/C separation is often a growth plate injury near the end of the clavicle, not a true ligament tear. Because their bones are still developing, the growth plate (physis) can mimic displacement on X-rays.
For this reason, chiropractors and radiologists always compare both shoulders and may use ultrasound or MRI for more accurate diagnosis. Children in Sarasota’s youth sports programs tend to heal quickly with proper care, especially when alignment is restored early through gentle Gonstead extremity adjustments.
Gonstead Chiropractic Approach to Shoulder Recovery
At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we don’t just treat the pain—we identify and correct the underlying misalignment. The Gonstead extremity method focuses on the precise movement and structure of the shoulder complex, including the clavicle, scapula, humerus, and thoracic spine.
By restoring proper joint alignment and nerve communication, we help patients:
Regain full shoulder range of motion
Improve posture and biomechanics
Reduce inflammation naturally
Prevent chronic instability or reinjury
Rehabilitation often includes gentle exercises for scapular stability, shoulder strength, and neuromuscular coordination, sometimes in collaboration with local sports physical therapy teams in Sarasota.
The Sarasota Advantage: Alignment Meets Performance
Sarasota’s active community—filled with golfers, tennis players, CrossFit athletes, and beach runners—demands high performance from their shoulders. Proper alignment of the A/C joint isn’t just about pain relief; it’s about restoring strength, balance, and function to the entire upper body.
Whether you’re training for a triathlon, playing recreational pickleball, or simply reaching overhead without discomfort, Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota is here to help you rebuild your foundation from the inside out.
📍 Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota – Building Your Foundation
🌴 Located in the heart of Sarasota, Florida
📞 Call or Text: (941) 413-5099
💻 Visit: www.VerticalChiroFlorida.com
📅 Book your appointment today and start building your foundation for better health and performance.
