Acromioclavicular Joint Pain in Wrestlers
Ross Hauser, M.D., Marion Hauser, M.S.,R.D.

The authors noted, "There was certainly a trend indicating that hastening the return of an athlete to athletic participation with the aid of local anesthetic and cortisone may be increasing his or her incidence of residual joint deformity and physical findings."

Athletes often feel invincible during their sporting events. Wrong! Osteoarthritis and early retirement from sports are just one injury away. Some studies suggest that, even without an acute injury, just actively participating in sports and weight lifting increases the chance of developing AC joint arthritis. (Stenlund, B. Shoulder tendonitis and osteoarthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint and their relation to sports. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 1993; 27:125-130.)

Any joint of the body can become arthritic. The AC joint may not mean much to you now, but develop a little arthritis and you will be reminded of it every day. Every ligament and every joint of the body is important.

The acromioclavicular joint is located at the point, or top, of the shoulder. It is very superficial and therefore extremely easy to treat with Prolotherapy. Four to six injections into and around the joint, covering all of the ligamentous attachments, are generally given with each treatment. All of the pain of first- and second-degree AC joint sprains can typically be eliminated with Prolotherapy. If the deformity is long-standing, it may remain, but Prolotherapy will help strengthen the joint and eliminate the pain. Athletes with AC joint sprains are typically seen monthly for a total of three to six sessions, gradually rebuilding and strengthening the joint. Athletes feel this makes more sense than cortisone, which has been shown to actually stimulate deterioration of the joint. Wrestlers and other athletes soon return to lifting weights, doing push-ups, and feeling strong. This is why wrestlers around the country are strengthening their joints with Prolotherapy.

Wrestling Injuries 1 2 3

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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician.

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.