Anatomy: Image from Orthoinfo.aaos.org
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Injuries
Ac joint dysfunction is a result of a sprain, dislocation, fracture or osteoarthritis at this joint

Dislocation and sprain
The Ac joint is usually injured by a direct fall onto the top of the shoulder, cycling injuries, or associated with over head throwing (Javelin) athletes. The shoulder blade (scapula) is forced downwards and the clavicle (collarbone) appears prominent. The degree of injury at the joint is classified by the separation of the joint and damage to ligaments supporting it. A sprain suggests ligament injury whereas a dislocation refers to the clavicle moving upwards and backwards out of its normal alignment. The degree of this separation between the clavicle and acromion is graded on a 6 point scale, with grade 3-4 or higher requiring surgery.

The altered position of the clavicle, disrupts the normal rotation action of thr clavicle that is required to achieve end range forward flexion (overhead ROM). Pain will occur as a result of over stretched/ ruptured ligamemts (depending on the severity) and a stretched joint capsule. As a protective mechanism, pain tends to lead to altered postures which may comtribute to neck pain and altered muscles activity of muscles that attach to the clavicle; such as the pecs, trapezius and  sternocleidomastoid.

Fracture
The fracture may occur at the distal end of the clavicle following contact sports injuries, bicycle and car accidents.

Arthritis
The incidence of arthritis at this joint has been shown to be about 50% in MRI studies of elderly populations, however these people may be asymptomatic.
Just like any arthritis this refers to degeneration of the cartilage at the ends of the clavicle and acromion. Normal day-to-day activities that require repetitive arm motion can cause cartilage loss (primary osteoarthritis). In addition arthritis may be due to cartilage degeneration after an injury to the joint (post traumatic arthritis). Regardless of the cause, predominately the normally smooth cartilage, as well as the meniscus between the bones breakdown leading to pain, due to increased friction and thus creating an inflammatory response at the joint.

Signs and Symptoms
Arthritis
Pain and stiffness of the joint is a common symptoms as is catching and “clicking” at the shoulder. Usually, these complaints are worst with overhead activity or with positioning the arm across the body. These are both common positions of the arm- from daily activities such as brushing your hair or reaching your back pocket, putting a shirt on, to sports activities such as a golf swing.

Dislocation and sprain
Pain initially may be widespread throughout the shoulder until the acute phase resolves, following this stage the person will demonstrate specific tenderness at the site of the end of the clavicle. Swelling and depending on the the extent of the injury a step-deformity may be visible. This is an obvious lump where the joint has been disrupted (as in the case of a dislocation) and is seen in more severe injuries. Similar to arthhiritis the individual will report pain on moving the shoulder, especially with overhead activities and across your body motion.

Treatment
Acute injuries will respond to ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and a sling is often used.
Electrotherapy could be utilised to prevent the formation of scar tissue in the ligament and promote healing and decrease swelling.

Exercise therapy to restore strength and range of motion of both the neck and shoulder is vital. Strengthening exercises include lateral rotator work, as well as shoulder blade pinching exercises.

Taping can be applied to offload and realign the Ac joint.

Mobilisation of the Ac joint (clavicle) at painful ranges is also a common intervention used by physiotherapist to restore normal and pain free alignment.

If your not too sure whats causing your shoulder to hurt- book in to see a therapist for a shoulder assessment and treatment.

Another source for shoulder pain: Could it be the AC joint? is a post from: Musculoskeletal Consumer Review

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1. Increasing training volume too quickly. When many triathletes take up the sport, early improvements in performance come from improvements in aerobic fitness associated with increased physical activity.
2. Ignoring stretching and injury prevention.
3. Relying on technology instead of technique and skills.
4. Spending too much time on your strongest leg instead of working on your weakest.
5. Avoiding speed work.
6. Using training hard as an excuse to eat and drink whatever you like.
7. Not taking time to rest and recover.
8. Training at too high an intensity.
9. Not planning an integrated, balanced training program.
10. Copying the "secrets" of champions.

For the full article, read "The Ten Most Common Mistakes Made By Triathletes" -vk

The Ten Most Common Mistakes Made By Triathletes is a post from: Musculoskeletal Consumer Review

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Three basic things tighten the ITB. 

1. Training methods
2. Bio-mechanical gait issues
3. Weak outer thigh muscles

Running on banked surfaces, inadequate warm up or cool down, increases in distance too fast or excessive downhill running are faults associated with running which strains the ITB.  In cycling having the feet toed inwards commonly causes the band to get tight.

Problems with foot structures such as high or low arches and uneven leg length typically tighten the ITB on one side. A complete biomechanical assessment helps determine the faults. Where appropriate, foot orthotics can correct these problems.

Weak outer hip muscles forces the ITB to work harder to compensate and becomes tight as a result. Exercise to strengthen the outer hip muscles helps to lighten the load on the ITB.

Despite avoiding all the three issues mentioned, athletes with a high training volume often still experience painful ITBs. In such cases, deep tissue massage will help release the tight band. 

Don’t forget to stretch the ITB. Ignoring ITB tightness can lead to groin pain and low back pains.

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome is a post from: Musculoskeletal Consumer Review

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dth="230" border="0" src="http://mcr.coreconcepts.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/ulnar-nerve-compress-s.jpg" alt="Ulnar nerve compres

The two main reasons for this compression:

1. Too much pressure over a prolonged period on the "knife" edge of your palm
2. Holding your wrist in a "cocked" position for prolonged periods of time

What you can do:

1. Wear padded gloves
2. Pad your handle bars
3. Frequently change hand positions and avoid prolonged gripping. (If you are using the old style downtube shifters, you can alternate hands when changing gears.)

If the numbness or tingling sensation does not disappear when these changes, drop by to our physiotherapist. The nerve compression may be of a more complicated structural form higher up along your forearm.

Last and Ring Finger Numbness in Cyclists is a post from: Musculoskeletal Consumer Review

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