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If your old AC joint separation still hurts, the joint may not have healed as cleanly as you expected. Ongoing pain, weakness, a visible bump, or trouble lifting can mean the shoulder needs a closer look, especially if symptoms continue after the early healing period. At Steven Struhl MD – AC Joint Separation, we evaluate…

If you’ve been told you have a Grade 3 AC joint separation, you probably want a straight answer: do you need surgery, or can it heal without it? The honest answer depends on the details of your injury. A Grade 3 AC separation sits in the middle zone between mild shoulder separations that often heal…

An AC joint separation is a common shoulder injury, especially among athletes and active individuals. It occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the acromioclavicular (AC) joint are damaged or torn, often due to a fall or direct impact to the shoulder. While mild cases can heal with conservative care, more severe separations often require surgery…

Shoulder pain can make everyday movements—like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even sleeping comfortably—difficult. One common source of shoulder pain, especially among athletes and active individuals, is a labrum SLAP tear. This type of injury affects the cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint and can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion….

Shoulder pain that gradually worsens over time is often a sign of arthritis. Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. While many patients manage symptoms successfully without surgery, others eventually require surgical intervention to restore…

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, affecting millions of people each year. These tears can develop suddenly after trauma or progress slowly over time due to wear and degeneration. When the rotator cuff becomes damaged, everyday activities — lifting, reaching overhead, dressing, or even sleeping — can become painful and difficult….

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body—and because of that, it’s also one of the most unstable. When the structures that hold the shoulder in place are damaged, it can easily pop out of its socket, leading to a painful shoulder dislocation. For some patients, this becomes a recurring problem. Understanding…

An acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a painful injury that affects the junction where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the top of the shoulder blade (acromion). It’s particularly common in cyclists, contact sports athletes, and those who experience a hard fall or impact directly onto the shoulder. While some mild AC joint injuries heal without surgery,…

Car accidents can lead to a range of injuries, and one of the most common areas affected is the shoulder. Given the complexity of the shoulder joint and the force exerted during a collision, injuries can occur in various forms. Dr. Steven Struhl, a leading orthopedic surgeon based in Westchester, NY, and New York City,…

An acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is one of the most common shoulder injuries, often occurring in athletes and active individuals. While mild cases may heal with rest and rehabilitation, severe AC joint separations typically require surgical repair. The challenge lies not just in fixing the joint but in restoring long-term stability and function. This is…