A separated shoulder occurs when the ligament(s) holding the collarbone (clavicle) to the tip of the shoulder (acromion process) is sprained (torn). The joint is called the acromioclavicular joint or AC joint for short. If you feel the top part of your shoulder, you will feel a little bump. The normal bump you feel is your AC joint and is where a shoulder separation occurs. This injury often occurs when an athlete falls on their outstretched arm or lands on their shoulder.
| Indicators: | Depending on the severity of ligament injury, the bump (AC joint) may be larger/higher compared to the other shoulder. The athlete will experience pain lifting the arm out to the side or across their body. And, of course, there will be pain over the “bump”. |
| Treatment: | Apply ice to the area and stabilize the shoulder, either with a sling or by having the athlete put their hand into their waistband to limit arm movement. Transport the athlete to a physician as soon as possible. |
Reprinted with the permission of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Ask a Question
Have questions about this article or topic? Ask150 Characters allowed
Related Questions
See More QuestionsToday on Education.com
HOME COOKING
10 Ways to Spice Up Your Barbecue
BOOK PICKS
Summer Reading
CELEBRATION
Happy Graduation
Local SAT & ACT Classes
Popular Articles
Wondering what others found interesting? Check out our most popular articles.
- 20 Great Graduation Quotes
- Examining Possible Causes of ADHD
- Can Inventiveness Be Taught?
- What Do Test Scores Really Say About a School?
- Great Gifts for Middle School Grads
- Unraveling the Mystery of the Allergy Epidemic
- 9 Ways to Encourage Early Literacy
- Ten Great High School Graduation Gifts
- Is High-Stakes Testing Cheating Your Kid?
- Picky Eaters: Tips for Tackling and Myths Debunked
Add your own comment