Quick Summary
Arthritis of the acromioclavicular, or AC, joint can cause local pain on top of the shoulder. Similar symptoms can have other causes, and joint changes on a scan may be symptom-free. Our assessment checks what is relevant to your pain and guides a practical plan for lifting, reaching and exercise.
What is AC Joint Osteoarthritis?
The AC joint connects the end of the collarbone to the top of the shoulder blade. Osteoarthritis involves changes within this small joint. It is separate from arthritis of the main shoulder ball-and-socket joint. Pain location, examination and sometimes imaging help determine whether the AC joint is contributing.
Your assessment at J&J Therapy looks at how symptoms affect your day, relevant health history, movement and strength. We explain the findings, agree priorities with you and advise when medical review or imaging would change your care.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain focused on top of the shoulder.
- Discomfort reaching across the chest or with some pressing movements.
- Tenderness over the joint or pain when lying on that side.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Your treatment plan at J&J Therapy
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle treatment may help surrounding stiffness and muscle discomfort. We adapt or avoid direct pressure over an irritable AC joint and do not claim to remove arthritis through massage.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routine treatment for AC joint osteoarthritis. It does not restore joint cartilage; the plan focuses on symptoms, capacity and appropriate medical options.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We modify particularly aggravating tasks while building shoulder strength and comfortable movement. Gym pressing, carrying and overhead work can be adjusted and progressed according to your response.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP advice or contact NHS 111 for sudden severe pain, inability to move the arm, marked swelling, persistent numbness or a hot shoulder with fever.
- After an injury, a changed shoulder shape or sudden loss of strength needs urgent assessment. Do not try to put a dislocated shoulder back yourself.
- Call 999 for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating or feeling faint.
Your questions answered
Must I stop weight training?
Not necessarily. Some movements or loads may need temporary changes. We can help find tolerable alternatives and rebuild capacity rather than stop all shoulder activity indefinitely.
What if pain stays very local and persistent?
A GP or shoulder specialist can review the diagnosis and discuss further options, including whether an injection or other treatment is appropriate. Persistent pain should be reassessed, not treated solely from the scan report.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment to understand this problem and plan your rehabilitation. Soft Tissue Therapy may be considered for associated muscle tension when appropriate; it does not replace assessment of an injury, tendon problem or joint restriction.
Book an appointment at J&J Therapy, ground floor, CI Tower, New Malden. Need help choosing? Call our reception team on 07935 869938.
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page does not diagnose your symptoms or replace an individual assessment. Treatment depends on your health, examination and preferences. Use the urgent-care advice above when needed.