Acromioclavicular Joint Stabilisation Rehabilitation Protocol

Acute

Week 0-2

· Supported in   sling

· Nil weight   bearing for first 6 weeks

· PROM  Flexion/Abduction <70

· Maintenance for   

  -Cervical Spine

  - Elbow

  -Forearm

  -Wrist/Hand

Subacute  Nil weight bearing for first 6 weeks

Week 2-4

· PROM as   tolerated

- Flexion/Abduction   <70 

- ER as tolerated

· Scapular control

· Core strengthening/general conditioning training if appropriate

Week 4-6

· A/AROM as tolerated

- Flexion/Abduction <70

- ER as tolerated

· Isometric IR/ER

· Scapular control

· ADLs as tolerated 

- Avoid pain, particularly overhead

· Core strengthening/general conditioning training if appropriate

Week 6-12

· Out of sling

· AROM as tolerated

· Graded, gentle increase to strengthening program as tolerated (not to push)

· Scapular control

· Functional activities as tolerated

· Core strengthening/general conditioning training if appropriate

Week 12-16

· AROM

· Graded increase to strengthening program

· Plyometric control exercises as appropriate

· Weight bearing scapula control//neuromuscular   retraining

· Increase in functional activities

· Core strengthening/general conditioning training if appropriate

· Sport/Work specific skills

>Week 16

· Aim for full strength

· Progressive strengthening program

· Plyometric control exercises as appropriate

· Weight bearing scapula control//neuromuscular retraining

· Core strengthening/general conditioning training if appropriate

· Return to non-contact sport 4-6 months (with approval)

· Return to contact sport at 4-12 months (with approval)