Physiotherapists in Leeds treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

The Acromioclavicular Joint

Just above the shoulder joint proper lies a small joint between the acromion part of the scapula and the outward end of the collar bone or clavicle, the acromioclavicular joint. It is usually not troublesome and functions like the suspension strut in a car, keeping the moving parts away from the centre of the body. For the arm to able to exert power the shoulder girdle has got to stay where it is when the strength is applied and the clavicle does this by bracing the chest and shoulder apart, forming joints at the chest end and at the shoulder end.

This is a butt joint linked by strong ligaments and is meant to transmit force and not to move significantly. Acromioclavicular joint injuries are typically sustained by falling directly on the shoulder or other part of the arm, forcing the acromion upwards against the stabilised clavicle. This disrupts the joint and is immediately acutely painful with the patient avoiding anything to do with pushing anything. Minor injuries give pain and heal well, whilst more major injuries can cause a deformity as the two parts of the joint no longer sit next to each other. This gives a non functioning joint which can be a chronic problem.

Treatments for Acute Neck Pain

A collar used to be recommended for neck injuries but are only suggested now if the injury is very severe or the spine is unstable. Keeping the neck in collar over a long period can increase the stiffness and pain, although wearing a more flexible .beanie. type collar at night only may improve a patient.s sleep. Overall, collars are to be avoided for the best chances of a quick recovery. Using cold on the area over the first forty eight hours or so may be useful to reduce pain, with the best technique to use a packet of frozen peas inside a wet tea towel for ten minutes or so, repeated regularly.

Placing a frozen object on the skin could give a cold burn so a wet tea towel should always be used between the cold and the skin. After 48 hours heat can be used for pain relief and to relax muscles, and many people prefer this at any stage, using a hot water bottle or heat pack or having a bath. Heat can burn the skin so the same precautions should apply, putting something between the object and the skin if needed, and limiting the time initially.