Injury protocol

AC joint sprain (Shoulder)

AC joint sprain (Shoulder) needs a staged plan that matches tissue healing, pain behavior, and progressive rehab loading in the shoulder.

Condition summary

Category: Ligament Injury

Body region: Shoulder

Common in: Cutting sports, Falls, Contact play, Shoulder, Ligament

Recovery phases

Acute support (0-5 days)

Goals: Reduce irritability in AC joint sprain (Shoulder), Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: Protein adequacy, Collagen plus vitamin C before rehab, Hydration

Meal examples: Eggs, toast, and kiwi / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Bean pasta with vegetables

Repair and reload (5 days to 6 weeks)

Goals: Reduce irritability in AC joint sprain (Shoulder), Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: Protein adequacy, Collagen plus vitamin C before rehab, Hydration

Meal examples: Eggs, toast, and kiwi / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Bean pasta with vegetables

Return phase (6+ weeks)

Goals: Progress loading tolerance for AC joint sprain (Shoulder), Restore movement confidence and function, Prepare for return to work, sport, or daily activity

Nutrition focus: Protein adequacy, Collagen plus vitamin C before rehab, Hydration

Meal examples: Eggs, toast, and kiwi / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Bean pasta with vegetables

Helpful recovery links