Physical Therapy for a separated shoulder

[rrlbees]

A little background. 14 year old son suffered a grade 3 AC joint sprain while playing soccer (he is a goalie). Has no real pain after 1 week. Saw the orthopedic surgeon who recommended no surgery, lots of icing and advil every 6 hours for a few days. At week 3 he will see my son again and the plan is to start physical therapy.

The end of the collarbone sticks up above his shoulder and is very noticeable. My son can push on it and make it move. My question si, how does physical therapy get him back to the point of being able to play soccer again where as a goalie there will be times that he dives and lands on that shoulder? The ortho said it will be about 2 months before he can play again, but I can't envision how this thing can be "fixed".

Frustrated for my son.

Rick

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

The deformity may stay, but the function, strength will return.  The rational at this point again is based on your sons skeletal maturity.  This conversation should be with your pediatric orthopedic.  As for the physical therapy componant I will be more than happy to assist.  If you need assistance with a referal to a sports minded physician please let me know your area and i will be more than happy to assist.  Best in Health...JAG

[rrlbees]

Thanks. What I am actually wondering about is how PT will "fix" anything that will be him from injuring it more easily next time. My understanding is that the ligaments never grow back together so the collarbone is just going to stick out forever. What will allow him to dive on that shoulder?

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

This is the normal protocol at this point of his career and age of development.  The physical therapy will get your son strong and ready to return to soccer.  Make sure to ask the therapist to add sport specific mechanics at the end of his rehab protocol to ready his return to the field.  Good luck and best in health....JAG