xf-A75juC93hg - ART of BODYWORK online Tutorials

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT

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The right of Alastair McLoughlin to be identified as the original Designer, Developer and Author of the Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1998.

All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover, or reprinted in any physical or electronic manner without the written consent of the author.

The ideas and concepts explored within this text are those of the author. For educational purposes only.

No diagnosis is being offered nor any cure promised by the application of this information.

Alastair McLoughlin cannot be held responsible for any injury arising from the application of this work by the practitioner to any third party however caused.

This work is not a substitute for medical attention. Please seek your physician’s advice if in doubt.

You will be amazed at the speed at which this works!

Using this AoB move you will see (in most cases) an immediate improvement in shoulder problems where the ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT (A/C JOINT) is involved.

This work is often indicated in situations when the arms have been used to stop the impact of falling forwards resulting in a momentary posterior movement of the shoulder joint.

This AoB procedure may also be necessary for athletes involved in impact sports from falling or side-impact tackles, such as in Rugby, Ice Hockey and American Football.

This work might even be needed after side-laying in bed! The side-laying position can compress the sternoclavicular and acriomioclavicular joints.

It is very quick and easy to assess if this work is needed or indicated for use.

See the instructional video presentation for clarification and execution of the moves.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Pain on either the sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joints.
Pain upon shoulder flexion or abduction.
Pain in the shoulder when laying on the affected side.
Difficulty with swallowing
Difficulty with speech

CAUTIONS OR CONTRAINDICATIONS

Please exclude the possibility of any bony fracture to a recent undiagnosed injury or an injury that persists and is not responding to treatment.

Refer for medical diagnosis if you are unsure about any undiagnosed medical condition or possible fracture.

Position of the patient:

Patient is laying supine on the treatment table.

Assessment:

These two assessments indicate if this work is necessary:

(a) Find and palpate the STERNOCLAVICULAR joint for tenderness.
Very often this is tender or painful upon palpation.

(b) Standing at the head of the couch, push inferiorly (towards the feet) on the top of the shoulders – the left side followed by the right side.
Check the amount of freedom of movement in the shoulder.
Any restriction or lack of ‘spring’ in the joint indicates this AoB procedure is required.
(In our example on the instructional video presentation, there is an obvious restriction of the right shoulder.)

If necessary and indicated, treat BOTH sides.

Note: Rarely the situation occurs that pain is felt on the LEFT sternoclavicular joint, but there seems to be a RIGHT shoulder problem (and vise versa).

In this instance treat BOTH sides.

Remember what you observe - so you can re-check your work afterwards.

Application of the AoB procedure:

Sequence (i) shows the move on the A/C joint itself.

The location of the move (i) is exactly on top of the shoulder - where the strap of a shoulder bag or a bra strap would sit.

You may have to apply a second move directly following the first - as shown.

This ensures we completely cross the A/C joint with our move (i).

Sequence (ii) shows the shoulder being taken into passive extension.

The arm is taken into passive extension - i.e. the arm must be loose and relaxed.

Any support of the arm by the client must be avoided.

Hold the patient’s arm at the wrist so that you have a good grip and good control when raising the arm above the head.

You may have to encourage the patient to relax the arm whilst you move the arm.

Note: If there is a severe shoulder restriction, do not force the arm above the head.

Carry the arm to the limit of the travel that is comfortable and within the tolerance of the patient.

Combine sequences (i) + (ii) into one smooth action as shown.

See the instructional video presentation for clarification and exact placement for the move (i).

Reassessment:

Reassess the client - as shown in parts (a) and (b) and note the improvement.

Even if the S/C or A/C joint has been tender or painful for months or years, it can be quickly eliminated using this AoB procedure.

Improvements in pain or tenderness of the sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joints, as well as improved ‘springyness’ to the shoulder joint, is often noted immediately.

Repeating these movements in the same session is not usually necessary.

This AoB procedure is so effective, it may be used as a stand-alone piece of work - as a quick and speedy answer to shoulder restrictions.

How it works:

When the clavicle is slightly out of position tenderness and pain can be felt on either the sternoclavicular or acriomioclavicular joints.

The AoB combination of movements (i) + (ii) release and reset the clavicle into its proper position.

The simultaneous movement of the arm (ii) whilst implementing the A/C joint move (i) helps facilitate this release.

Obtaining a smooth transition of the arm, together with the A/C joint movement, can take a little practice but it’s not too difficult to master.

In addition I have found that swallowing difficulties and some speech difficulties (weakness of the voice) have improved quickly using this work due to the releasing, balancing and strengthening effect on the muscles around the vocal cords and anterior neck - including the hyoid.

It works very quickly for the A/C and S/C joints - so have fun with this one!