Football is a physically demanding sport that often exposes athletes to various injuries, including AC joint sprains. An AC joint sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, located at the top of the shoulder, are stretched or torn.
In Week 5 Indianapolis Colts’ Quarterback, Anthony Richardson, suffered a right shoulder injury in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie QB did not return to the field, and it was later confirmed that he suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. Without a doubt proper rehabilitation will play a vital role in helping Richardson recover and return to peak performance.
The key components of an effective rehabilitation program for AC Joint sprains includes:
1. Pain Management:
One of the primary goals of rehabilitation for AC joint sprains is to manage pain effectively. Through a combination of physical therapy techniques, such as ice and heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy, athletes can experience reduced pain levels and improved comfort. Pain management is crucial not only for the athlete’s well-being but also for their motivation to actively participate in the rehabilitation process.
2. Restoring Range of Motion:
AC joint sprains can limit the range of motion in the shoulder, impacting an athlete’s ability to perform essential football movements. Rehabilitation focuses on gradually restoring the full range of motion through stretching exercises, joint mobilization techniques, and specific shoulder exercises. By regaining flexibility and mobility, football athletes can regain their agility and overall performance on the field.
3. Strengthening and Stability:
Rehabilitation programs for AC joint sprains emphasize strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. Strengthening exercises, such as resistance training and weightlifting, help rebuild the muscles and improve stability. By targeting the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles around the shoulder blades, athletes can enhance their shoulder stability, reducing the risk of reinjury and improving their overall performance.
4. Functional Training:
Functional training is a vital component of AC joint sprain rehabilitation for football athletes. This type of training focuses on replicating football-specific movements to ensure a smooth transition back to the field. Exercises that mimic throwing, catching, tackling, and blocking movements are incorporated into the rehabilitation program. Functional training helps athletes regain their confidence and allows them to practice their sport-specific skills while gradually building strength and endurance.
5. Gradual Return to Play:
Returning to football too soon after an AC joint sprain can lead to reinjury and prolonged recovery time. A well-structured rehabilitation program ensures a gradual return to play, taking into account the athlete’s progress, pain levels, and overall readiness. This step-by-step approach minimizes the risk of setbacks and allows athletes to regain their competitive edge safely.
In this video 3DPT West Berlin’s Dr. Dan Deitz describes and demonstrates a few movements that would be included throughout a rehab program for AC Joint Sprains
Rehabilitation for AC joint sprains is of utmost importance for football athletes aiming to recover fully and return to the field at their best. By focusing on pain management, range of motion restoration, strengthening, functional training, and a gradual return to play, athletes can overcome the challenges posed by AC joint sprains. With the guidance of skilled professionals and a commitment to the rehabilitation process, football athletes can make a successful comeback and continue to excel in their sport.
Categorized as: 2023 NFL Blog