Collarbone (Clavicular) pain
What is it?
Collarbone or clavicular pain is usually very minor. It can occur at either end of the bone (sterno-clavicular or acromio-clavicular joints) or in the middle of the bone due to a break. The sterno-clavicular joint is where the collarbone meets the sternum (breast bone) and the acromio-clavicular joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder. Both joints help link the arms and shoulders to the vertical skeleton. A complex network of ligaments supports the joints but these are prone to sprain by the tearing or overstretching of these structures, particularly in impact injuries.
Although most of these injuries are very minor, certain types of injuries may require immediate medical attention. On rare occasions the sterno-clavicular joint can dislocate, this usually involves a large force like a severe sporting injury or car accident. If you notice a change in bony appearance around this area you should seek emergency medical help.to the bony structures
Injuries to these joints and the collarbone itself usually happen during sporting accidents, falls or road traffic collisions. In rare cases, patients have a stable joint but experience clicking, grating or popping coming from either joint.
What we do?
If you suspect that you have injured this area and it is not a medical emergency it is important to seek physiotherapy intervention as soon as possible. A thorough assessment will be able to confirm diagnosis and prevent your symptoms deteriorating.
What the benefits are?
Physiotherapy intervention will provide you with: a timely diagnosis, protection from further injury enabling the ligaments/bones to heal, regain full movement as soon as possible, ensure full strength is regained to enable full participation in hobbies and sports and prevention of future injury.
How we can help?
At The Physiotherapy Academy our physiotherapists provide an individualized assessment and treatment plan for people with these injuries aiming at reducing pain, regaining movement and strength whilst ensuring return to full function and sporting activities as soon as safe. We can also help prevent further injury to the area.
Physiotherapy treatment to the area may include:
- Activity modification to promote healing
- Bracing/taping to ensure a return to as near full joint stability as possible
- Cold and heat treatment
- Shoulder rehabilitation program including stretches, movement exercises and strength work
What should you do?
Call The Physiotherapy Academy today to ask further questions, find out if physiotherapy would benefit you or to save wasting further valuable time and book an assessment to enable return to normal function as soon as possible.
To arrange an appointment or speak to a physiotherapist, call or email on: