AC Joint Separation No Surgery 2.5 yrs Still Having Soreness/Weakness
I had an ACJ separation 2.5 years ago. The doctor said no surgery needed. I stuck with the physical therapy program for a month. I had one kid before and now two kids in that time and busy with work so continued pt was difficult to maintain and just exhausted. Without doing much extreme activity it felt fine. Sometimes would wake up sore from sleeping on it or if I picked one of the kids up in a weird way.
Got back into the gym recently and I realized it’s definitely not 100% and is still very weak compared to my other arm and for certain exercises it still hurts. I have good range of motion though. I’m still young and want to be able to use it without catering to it. I’ve read some stories here that go back to activities that I would be scared to try with the way it feels (bjj, lifting heavy, etc.)
I guess wondering how yall knew if surgery was necessary, and what steps to take ahead of that…go back to pt exercises and rehabbing it? A combo with weights and pt? I know I should probably go see a specialist. Anyway looking for experience from anyone who didn’t have surgery, or did not have it right away and ended up getting it down the road. Thanks.
Edited: did it > didn’t **