AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint Pain Treatment in Mineola, NY
MULLIGAN CONCEPT
AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint Pain
The AC joint sits on top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Sprains, separations and arthritis here cause pain reaching across your body, pressing overhead or lying on that side. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan AC joint and shoulder mobilization and taping to ease pain, then strengthen the shoulder.
Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience
Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.
Common signs of AC (acromioclavicular) joint pain
- Pain on top of the shoulder
- Pain reaching across your body or putting on a seatbelt
- Pain pressing overhead or bench pressing
- Pain lying on the shoulder
- A bump on top of the shoulder after a fall
What causes it
Falls onto the shoulder, contact sports, and heavy pressing or overhead lifting can sprain or wear the AC joint.
How we examine it
We screen for significant separations and fractures, then test AC joint movement, shoulder strength and the movements that hurt. We test whether a glide eases them.
Mulligan techniques we use
- AC joint MWM. A gentle glide of the collarbone or shoulder while you move your arm.
- Shoulder MWM. For related shoulder stiffness.
- Mulligan taping. Tape to support the joint during activity.
What the research says
Evidence is limited to case reports of AC joint MWM in sprains, including a moderate AC injury. Most AC joint problems are managed with exercise and activity changes, and we use Mulligan techniques to make that more comfortable.
What else is in your treatment plan
Your plan includes manual therapy, taping, shoulder and shoulder blade strengthening and changes to gym or sport exercises.
How long recovery takes
Mild sprains often improve within 2 to 6 weeks. AC joint arthritis is managed longer term.
When to see a doctor first
Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:
- Visible deformity after a fall
- Unable to lift the arm
- Numbness or weakness in the arm
- Shoulder pain with chest pain or shortness of breath: call 911
- Fever or a hot joint
AC (acromioclavicular) joint pain treatment near Mineola
Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.
Frequently asked questions
What is a separated shoulder?
A sprain of the AC joint ligaments, often after a fall onto the shoulder. It is different from a dislocated shoulder.
Can I bench press with AC joint pain?
Often with grip and range changes. We guide you.
Does a separated shoulder need surgery?
Most do not. Severe separations may need a surgeon's opinion.
Why does reaching across my body hurt?
That movement squeezes the AC joint.
Related pages
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.