ConditionsAC Joint Sprain

AC Joint Sprain

A hard hit or fall can leave your shoulder more than bruised. We help athletes and weekend warriors recover from AC joint sprains and get safely back in the game.

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Finger pointing to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint on a patient's shoulder to demonstrate the location of AC joint pain and shoulder injuries treated at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, LA.
Treated by our doctors
Two generations of chiropractic care, Dr. Mike & Dr. Matt Cavanaugh

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Walk-ins always welcome

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Trusted since 1974

Two generations of care

01Understanding the condition

What is an AC joint sprain?

Your AC joint, short for acromioclavicular joint, is where your collarbone meets the highest point of your shoulder blade. It’s what lets you raise your arm overhead, reach across your body, and carry weight on your shoulder.

An AC joint sprain, often called a shoulder separation, happens when the ligaments holding that joint together are stretched or torn, usually from a fall onto the shoulder or a hard hit in contact sports. It’s not just painful; it can limit your range of motion, strength, and ability to do the things you love.

The good news is that it’s very treatable. At Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, we help patients recover safely and rebuild the strength and stability the shoulder needs.

02Signs & symptoms

Signs you might have an AC joint sprain.

AC joint injuries usually announce themselves right after a fall or impact. Common signs include:

Pain and tenderness right at the top of the shoulder
A visible bump or step-off where the collarbone meets the shoulder
Pain when reaching across your body or lifting overhead
Weakness or a feeling of instability in the shoulder
Swelling and bruising around the joint
Don't wait
The sooner we get to the root of it, the better your outcome, early care makes a real difference.
03Our approach

How Cavanaugh Chiropractic can help.

We don't just chase the pain, we help the joint heal and rebuild the support around it so you can return to activity with confidence. Your plan may include:
Gentle joint mobilization
Careful, targeted care to restore proper motion and alignment to the shoulder complex.
Soft tissue therapy
Hands-on work to ease muscle guarding and support healing in the injured ligaments.
Therapeutic exercise
Progressive strengthening that rebuilds shoulder stability and prevents re-injury.
Activity guidance
Smart modifications so you can stay active while the joint recovers safely.
You don't have to push through the pain.
The sooner we address it, the sooner you're back to feeling your best.
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How can we help?

Ready to take the next step?

We're focused on helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay active. Let's get to the root of the issue and build a plan that helps you heal.

Mon
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–6:00
Tue
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–4:00
Wed
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–6:00
Thu
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–4:00
Fri
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
Closed

Every recovery needs a game plan.

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