Key points about separated shoulder

A separated shoulder is an injury to the AC joint, not the actual ball-and-socket shoulder joint.
It’s usually caused by trauma, like falling onto your shoulder.
Common symptoms include pain, swelling and a visible bump on top of the shoulder.
Severity is graded I to VI, depending on how much the joint is displaced.
Treatment ranges from rest and rehab to surgery in more severe cases.

Common related conditions

Frozen Shoulder Shoulder Bursitis (Bursitis of the shoulder) Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (Impingement Syndrome) Shoulder Subluxation

Separated shoulder causes

You may have separated your shoulder if you experienced:

A direct impact to the top of your shoulder
A fall on an outstretched arm or directly onto your shoulder
Contact sports injuries
A bicycle, skateboard or snowboard accident

Separated shoulder risk factors

People who participate in high impact sports like football, hockey or lacrosse or play sports with high risks of falls like skateboarding can experience separated shoulders. Other risk factors include:

Weak shoulder muscles or poor protective gear
History of shoulder injuries

Separated shoulder symptoms

Usually, a separated shoulder presents itself with:

Pain at the top of the shoulder or at the collarbone
Swelling or bruising around the AC joint
A visible bump or “step” on top of the shoulder
Limited range of motion or weakness when lifting the arm
Pain that worsens with shoulder movement or pressure

Separated shoulder diagnosis

To diagnose a separated shoulder effectively, your doctor will:

Do a physical examination to assess joint stability and alignment
Order X-rays to determine the grade of the separation
Order Stress X-rays to evaluate movement under load, in severe cases
Order an MRI for soft tissue evaluation in complex cases

Separated shoulder treatment

Treating a separated shoulder really depends on how severe it is. Most commonly, you’ll be treated with:

Rest, ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Wearing a sling for immobilization and comfort during healing
Physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion
Surgery in severe cases (Grade IV–VI) or when conservative care fails
Gradual return to activities as healing progresses

When to Seek Care

Shoulder pain after a fall or impact, especially with a visible bump
Difficulty or inability to lift or move the arm
Pain that doesn’t improve with basic care
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
Swelling or deformity at the top of the shoulder

Separated Shoulder