Separated Shoulder
Personalized physical therapy for acromioclavicular (AC) separation
A separated shoulder can make reaching, lifting, sleeping, and returning to the activities you enjoy difficult. San Tan Physical Therapy provides hands-on, one-on-one care to help restore motion, strength, confidence, and function.
What Is a Separated Shoulder?
An acromioclavicular separation—often called an AC separation or separated shoulder—commonly results from a fall on the end of the shoulder. It can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a visible deformity where the collarbone appears to be “sticking up.”
Care for a separated shoulder commonly includes rest, ice, pain and anti-inflammatory medication as directed by a medical provider, and physical therapy to restore motion. Surgery is rarely indicated, though in some cases the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade are repaired.
Our licensed clinical experts have served the Queen Creek and San Tan areas since 2006. We listen carefully, complete a thorough one-on-one evaluation, and create a care plan around your recovery and goals.
Pain & Swelling
Pain and swelling at the top of the shoulder are common after a fall onto the shoulder.
Visible Change
An AC separation can create a deformity in which the collarbone appears to be sticking up.
Loss of Comfortable Motion
Shoulder pain can interfere with dressing, lifting, carrying, sleeping, and other daily activities.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Your plan is tailored to your symptoms, stage of healing, and goals. Physical therapy for a separated shoulder may include guided movement, strengthening, and education to support a safe return to daily life, work, exercise, or sport.
Restore Motion
Active-assistive, active, and passive shoulder range-of-motion work may be used to help you move more comfortably.
Build Support & Control
Isometric and resistive exercise, proprioception training, and flexibility work can help improve muscle strength, power, and shoulder control.
Hands-On Care
When appropriate, care may include shoulder joint mobilization, soft-tissue mobilization, cold therapy, and other physical agents.
Your Recovery Goals
Physical therapy is designed to help you progress at the right pace while supporting the goals identified for separated shoulder rehabilitation:
- Improve function and tolerance for prolonged activities
- Improve shoulder range of motion
- Improve muscle strength, power, and proprioception
- Optimize joint alignment
- Learn self-care strategies for symptoms
- Support recovery following a surgical repair, when applicable
We will empower you with a personalized plan and practical guidance so you can continue building strength, mobility, and confidence between visits.
Related Shoulder Care
Shoulder conditions can overlap. Explore other ways our team can help you move with greater comfort and confidence.
Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy can help relieve pain, restore movement, and recover strength.
Shoulder Instability
Targeted rehabilitation can help improve shoulder strength, control, and function.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
A progressive plan can support recovery following shoulder surgery when it is needed.
Get Back to the Activities You Love
Immediate appointments are available, with first visits in 24–48 hours. No doctor referral is necessary.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or professional healthcare advice. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting a physical therapist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.