Acute AC Joint Stabilisation (Open eg Lockdown)

Phase	Rehabilitation	Precautions
Day 0	Sling for 4–6 weeks; hand/elbow/wrist mobilisation; immobilise ACJ (depending on fixation used).	No horizontal adduction or crossing arm for 8 weeks. Keep shoulder in neutral.
0–2 weeks	Begin pendulums; gentle passive flexion/abd to 90°. Scapular retraction exercises.	Maintain sling except for exercises; avoid any load on ACJ.
2–4 weeks	Continue passive ROM to shoulder height; at ~3 weeks, wean from sling to day use only. Active ROM in safe ranges.	No lifting heavier than a cup; avoid cross-body or wide arm positions.
4–6 weeks	Full passive and active flexion/abd; isometric deltoid/cuff in neutral.	Sling out completely by 6 weeks; avoid sudden jerks on AC.
6–12 weeks	Progress strengthening (resisted flexion, abduction up to 90°). Introduce gentle cross-body ROM after 8 weeks.	Resume more aggressive movements after 8 weeks per fixation check.
12+ weeks	Return to full shoulder movements; resume sports/ heavy lifting from ~4–6 months.

Phase

Rehabilitation

Precautions

Day 0

Sling for 4–6 weeks; hand/elbow/wrist mobilisation; immobilise ACJ (depending on fixation used).

No horizontal adduction or crossing arm for 8 weeks. Keep shoulder in neutral.

0–2 weeks

Begin pendulums; gentle passive flexion/abd to 90°. Scapular retraction exercises.

Maintain sling except for exercises; avoid any load on ACJ.

2–4 weeks

Continue passive ROM to shoulder height; at ~3 weeks, wean from sling to day use only. Active ROM in safe ranges.

No lifting heavier than a cup; avoid cross-body or wide arm positions.

4–6 weeks

Full passive and active flexion/abd; isometric deltoid/cuff in neutral.

Sling out completely by 6 weeks; avoid sudden jerks on AC.

6–12 weeks

Progress strengthening (resisted flexion, abduction up to 90°). Introduce gentle cross-body ROM after 8 weeks.

Resume more aggressive movements after 8 weeks per fixation check.

12+ weeks

Return to full shoulder movements; resume sports/ heavy lifting from ~4–6 months.

Testimonials

“Kate used a technique called visceral release to work on my internal organs, the effect has been amazing. I have had several sessions with Kate and the pain in my hip has almost gone. I can move freely and walk more easily.”

Mary

”FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE. Kate looks at the body as a whole (both physically and emotionally) and is able to identify and treat the root cause of the pain. This type of Physiotherapy is much more logical and effective than traditional Physiotherapy. The best physio I have come across – thank you Kate.”

Stacey

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Emma

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Tara (a professional triathlete)

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Kelly

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Alex