Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Pain

AC joint pain affects the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion. At The London Ultrasound Clinic, we see many patients who describe a sharp, localised pain when reaching across the body, lifting overhead, or carrying bags. The area can feel tender and may ache after activity or towards the end of the day. This joint can become irritated due to wear and tear, previous injury, or increased load. Sometimes the surrounding ligaments and soft tissues are also inflamed. Many people are surprised at how much impact such a small joint can have on shoulder movement and daily comfort.

Conservative Management

Many patients benefit from non-invasive treatments, including:

Activity modification and load management to reduce strain on the joint
Targeted exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve stability
Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
Education and reassurance about the condition and its expected course

These approaches often help reduce pain, maintain function, and prevent flare-ups.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections

When pain persists despite conservative care, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection can provide faster relief. Using local anaesthetic and steroid, the injection is delivered directly into the AC joint to calm inflammation and ease pain. This can make it easier to move the shoulder, perform exercises, and return to normal daily activities.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Following an injection, a structured rehabilitation programme is essential. Your clinician will guide you through safe exercises and strategies to maintain strength, range of motion, and joint stability. Most patients notice gradual improvement in pain and function over the following days and weeks.
Our aim is to provide clear answers, effective treatment, and a supportive experience, helping you regain shoulder comfort, improve function, and return to daily activities with confidence.

Conditions we treat

Jason Marcus

Fantastic experience with Abdul. Not only was he extremely accommodating by twice managing to get to the clinic early so that I could come by at a more convenient time but the treatment itself was excellent and very thorough. So good that he said it would take 10 days to really feel the effects but within 24 hours I was already much better. Highly recommen

Magdalena Milecka

I had hydrodilatation injection at this clinic, and I couldn't be happier with the care I received. The procedure was carried out by Abdul, who was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring throughout. Before the injection, he took time to explain the procedure in detail, what to expect, and answered all my questions clearly. He listened carefully to my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. His calm and friendly approach really helped put me at ease. The appointment was very well organised, with no waiting time at all, which I really appreciated. Week on, and I'm already noticing an improvement following the injection, with less pain and better movement, which has been very encouraging. I would highly recommend this clinic, and especially Abdul. Thank you for the excellent care and outstanding service.

Ruthie Mafeni

After receiving a high volume Achilles tendon injection, I had a follow up review at the clinic. Abdul provided thorough and professional care throughout, going above and beyond to ensure my injury had the best possible outcome of recovery. Would highly recommend Abdul's services.

melvyn gandz

Abdul is an excellant practitioner I received immediate attention Highly professional

Alis Templeton

I saw Abdul about an ongoing issue in my ankle and achilles tendon which was not resolving after a previous ultrasound, diagnosis and several months of physio work. He performed a detailed ultrasound and identified some other issues in my ankle, and I have subsequently been referred to a foot and ankle specialist by my GP thanks to his examination. I was impressed by the time and care he took to understand my situation and to clearly explain what the ultrasound was showing. He also provided very helpful, detailed and timely notes following our appointment. I would highly recommend Abdul and the London Ultrasound Clinic.

Nadine

I had recently been searching for an ultrasound clinic for knee pain that I had been experiencing for a few weeks and I wanted to get to the bottom of it and not wait months on the NHS. I needed something that wasn’t midweek due to my job and also I wanted somewhere that could do the ultrasound and actually look at my knees. Abdul was initially able to offer a telephone consultation prior to an appointment which was really helpful to explain what was going on and set up a consultation. He offered an appointment that very week and he took the time to listen carefully to all my Symptoms and then did an examination of my knees. Then he did a thorough ultrasound of both knees and explained everything to me as he went through the ultrasound, which was really helpful for someone who has limited knowledge of Anatomy. He gave a diagnosis and also gave me recommendations of a physio and specific exercises to do at home. I would highly recommend to anyone who is experiencing physical issues that require further investigation.

A S

Very happy with service provided for my scan and also the detailed summary report which was sent very shortly after. Would happily recommend this clinic

Delia Marcu

I cannot recommend Abdul at The London Ultrasound Clinic highly enough. After weeks of severe pain and consultations with multiple healthcare professionals, I attended the clinic expecting an ultrasound for what had been suggested might be bursitis. Abdul carefully assessed my symptoms and, rather than simply proceeding with the scan, he explained that he did not believe bursitis was the cause of my problem. He suspected the issue was coming from my C7 nerve root in my neck and advised me accordingly. What impressed me most was his professionalism and integrity. He refunded my money rather than carrying out an unnecessary procedure and encouraged me to pursue the correct investigations. A subsequent MRI later confirmed that the problem was indeed related to my C7, exactly as he had suspected. Had I continued down the wrong treatment path, my condition could have deteriorated further and valuable time could have been lost. Abdul’s expertise, honesty and patient-centred approach helped prevent that. In a healthcare environment where it can sometimes feel difficult to get clear answers, Abdul stood out for his knowledge, integrity and genuine care. I am extremely grateful for his guidance and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking an accurate assessment and honest advice. Thank you, Abdul.

Denise Matthews

I booked an appointment at The London Ultrasound Clinic with a bad knee pain, after a full assessment and an ultrasound scan Abdul explained the problem and gave me some strengthening exercises to do, which are helping very much, I found him very helpful and professional in the way he explained things.I am very pleased with the results. Thank you Abdul.

I was treated by Abdul - first we had a phone consultation and then an appointment to do with possible frozen shoulder. Abdul is an excellent clinician and communicator. He talked me through the theory, symptoms and treatment with ease- and seemed to have all the time in the world for questions. I felt confident and assured being treated by him. His letters of summation were swiftly and accurately prepared. Highly recommended!

Conditions

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Pain