What is Weight Lifter’s Shoulder? 

AC joint osteolysis, commonly referred to as “Weight Lifter’s Shoulder” is a common problem among the weightlifting community. This because it is caused by constant stress to the acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, at the top of the shoulder. When people lift weights over their head, it causes stress to this joint on the outer end of their collarbone.

Persistent stress to this area can cause a stress “fracture” essentially, where the joint’s movement causes bone erosion faster than the bone can heal and regrow. Hence the name “Weight Lifter’s Shoulder.” However, you don’t have to be a weightlifter to have this problem, just like you don’t have to be a tennis player to get Tennis Elbow. In fact, it is seen in many construction workers and people who work with their arms over their heads constantly (i.e. painters, plasterers, etc.).

Symptoms of AC Joint Osteolysis

Most people with AC joint osteolysis notice pain when lifting items overhead, especially if those items are heavy. However, as the damage progresses, other symptoms develop. These include:

• Pain at the site (at the end of the collarbone, top of the shoulder)
• Shoulder sore to the touch even after rest
• Weakness when moving the shoulder or lifting above the head
• Swelling at the end of the shoulder joint
• Severe pain while working out or performing heavy labor

Seeing your doctor as soon as you notice difficulty lifting can help prevent extensive damage to the collarbone and AC joint. However, treatment is not always as easy as rest.

Treatment for AC Joint Damage

The treatment for Weight Lifter’s Shoulder depends on the severity of the damage. For early stages of osteolysis, rest is often the first step. RICE – or rest, ice, compression, and elevation – helps to relieve pain and let the joint repair itself. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and corticosteroid injections may be recommended, as well as physical therapy. Within 6 to 8 weeks of this conservative treatment plan, most people feel much better.

However, if the damage to the AC joint is extensive, patients may need surgery. Most only require a minimally invasive arthroscopy, which is a small scope used to remove about 1cm of collarbone and then smooth out the AC joint. This prevents friction that causes pain.

Recovery from this surgery involves a sling to stabilize the arm while it heals, as well as sleeping on your back. After the first week, physical therapy is recommended to help rebuild muscle strength. Then, within three months, most people have about 80 percent strength in their shoulder, with full recovery and return to their previous activity level after a year.

Preventing Weight Lifter’s Shoulder

To prevent this level of trauma to your shoulder joint, it’s important to always lift slowly, with your knees and avoid repetitive, over-the-head lifting. If you notice shoulder pain, stop what you’re doing and let your armrest. Seeing your doctor for a checkup to address any concerns will also prevent more extensive damage.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119