Long-term pain from suspected Grade 1/2 AC Joint Separation

[hgnarroway]

I injured my shoulder aged 14 whilst at cadet camp. The manner of the injury was falling off a log into a river with an out-stretched arm, wearing a heavy pack. At the time I remember significant pain and immobilisation but I never got it treated as the staff on site didn't suggest it was necessary (big mistake).

I have experienced the following symptoms ever since - pain, looseness, instability, slight 'bump', clicking and snapping of shoulder. I have difficulty sleeping and am constantly adjusting my shoulder posture to find a painless position. Activities such as waterpolo, swimming, rugby, boxing and even regular weight lifting cause discomfort. The shirts I wear have an uneven hem as my right shoulder is now more robust, despite doing weights exercises that target both sides equally.

I visited a physio who gave me a number of exercises to do but this achieved nothing. However, when I went to see a shoulder specialist (Perko), the MRI didn't show an obvious separation. Is it possible that the strength training I've done has masked the injury?

I am now 20 and about to see Des Bokor on the recommendation of a good physio who is almost certain the previous advice was too conservative and that the shoulder is damaged and requires a reconstruction.

My main concern is that I have sustained irreparable damage by waiting 6-7 years to have it done. Does anybody have any advice of any kind based on their knowledge and experiences?

[Compaq888]

As I have a Grade 2 AC joint Separation the only thing that helped me is physical therapy exercises and a cortisone shot.

My doctors told me to continue to do the exercises and my shoulder would get better. The pain didn't go away until I got a cortisone shot in my shoulder. The doctor said the more sore the shoulder is from the shot the more the shot does. For the next 2 days I wasn't able to move my arm. Me and my friend had to make a sling because the weight of my arm was giving me unbelievable pain. After 2-3 days the soreness went away and I continued doing the physical therapy exercises. My shoulder stopped hurting, but even 2 years later it's still healing. I went this January to my doctor and he told it's still healing and that my injured shoulder is a little weaker than my other shoulder. You will notice significant difference in size between your injured shoulder and your good shoulder. The clavicle will be more raised up on your bad shoulder and you'll see more muscle mass on your bad shoulder due to all those physical therapy exercises.