Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm: Common Causes and What to Do
Shoulder pain when lifting your arm can make everyday activities difficult, from reaching overhead and getting dressed to lifting weights at the gym.
While there are several possible causes, many cases of shoulder pain improve with appropriate activity modification and rehabilitation. Understanding what's contributing to your symptoms is the first step towards getting back to normal.
In this article, we'll explore the common causes of shoulder pain when raising your arm, what you can do about it and when to seek professional advice.
What causes shoulder pain when lifting your arm?
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that relies on muscles, tendons and other structures working together to control movement. Pain can develop when these tissues are injured, irritated or struggling to tolerate the demands placed on them.
Common causes include:
Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help control shoulder movement and stability. Problems involving these tendons are a common cause of pain when lifting your arm overhead or out to the side.
Shoulder bursitis
The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction around the shoulder. Irritation in this area can contribute to pain during overhead movements, often alongside rotator cuff-related problems.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and stiffness, making it increasingly difficult to lift your arm or reach behind your back. It commonly develops gradually and can take months to improve.
Rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff tears can develop gradually or occur following a sudden injury. Symptoms may include pain and weakness, although some tears cause few or no symptoms.
Shoulder arthritis or other injuries
Joint arthritis, muscle strains, dislocations and fractures can also cause shoulder pain, depending on your age, symptoms and injury history.
Is shoulder pain when raising your arm a rotator cuff problem?
Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is one of the more common explanations, particularly when pain occurs during overhead movements or lifting your arm sideways.
You might notice discomfort when putting something on a high shelf, performing shoulder presses or lying on the affected shoulder at night.
However, shoulder pain doesn't automatically mean you have a rotator cuff tear. Tendon-related pain can occur without a tear, and tears can also be present in people without symptoms.
The way your pain started, your shoulder strength, range of motion and other examination findings help determine the most likely cause. Imaging may be useful in some cases, but scan findings need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms.
What should you do if your shoulder hurts when lifting your arm?
For many uncomplicated shoulder problems, the aim is to manage symptoms while gradually restoring strength and movement.
Modify aggravating activities. Temporarily reduce painful overhead movements or heavy lifting rather than stopping all physical activity.
Keep moving within your tolerance. Comfortable movement can help maintain mobility, particularly if your shoulder is becoming stiff.
Gradually rebuild strength. Appropriate rehabilitation exercises can help improve your shoulder's capacity to tolerate everyday tasks, gym training and sport.
Avoid forcing movements through sharp or worsening pain. If your symptoms started after a significant injury, you have substantial weakness, or your shoulder is becoming increasingly stiff, seek an assessment rather than simply pushing through.
When should you get shoulder pain assessed?
Consider having your shoulder assessed if pain persists, repeatedly returns, disrupts your sleep or limits your ability to work, exercise or perform everyday activities.
Seek prompt medical attention for severe pain following an injury, significant weakness or an inability to lift your arm. A visibly deformed shoulder or suspected dislocation requires urgent assessment.
Shoulder pain accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or faintness may indicate a medical emergency. Call emergency services rather than assuming the pain is muscular.
Shoulder pain treatment in Ballina
At Ballina Movement Lab, we take an individualised approach to shoulder pain, combining hands-on osteopathic treatment with movement and rehabilitation where appropriate.
An assessment helps us understand your symptoms, identify movements that may be aggravating your shoulder and determine how best to manage your condition.
Treatment may include hands-on techniques to help manage symptoms, tailored exercise rehabilitation to rebuild strength and guidance on returning to the gym, surfing or other activities.
The goal isn't simply to reduce pain temporarily, but to help you regain movement, build capacity and return to the activities that matter to you.
Experiencing shoulder pain when lifting your arm?
Book an appointment with Ballina Movement Lab to discuss your symptoms and find a suitable way forward.
