Why Does Your Shoulder Hurt When You Lift Your Arm? Causes & Treatment
Shoulder pain when lifting the arm can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, getting dressed, carrying objects or exercising uncomfortable. The pain may develop gradually or appear after an injury, repetitive activity or increased physical activity.
There are several possible causes of shoulder pain. Understanding the symptoms and getting an appropriate assessment can help determine the right approach to treatment and recovery.
Why Does the Shoulder Hurt When Lifting the Arm?
Lifting the arm requires coordinated movement of the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons and shoulder blade. Pain can occur when these structures become irritated, overloaded, stiff or weakened.
Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive overhead movements
- Sports or gym-related injuries
- Muscle strain
- Shoulder stiffness
- Reduced shoulder mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Prolonged poor posture
- Age-related changes
The exact cause can vary from person to person, so persistent shoulder pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Are the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?
Rotator Cuff Problems
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. Irritation or injury to these structures can cause pain when raising or rotating the arm.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can cause significant stiffness and pain. Activities such as reaching overhead, dressing or reaching behind the back may become difficult.
Shoulder Impingement
Certain shoulder conditions can cause discomfort when the arm is raised, particularly during repetitive overhead activities.
Muscle Strain
Lifting heavy objects, exercising or suddenly increasing physical activity can place additional stress on the muscles around the shoulder.
Poor Posture
Long periods of sitting and forward-shoulder posture may contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort, particularly for people who spend many hours working at a computer.
What Symptoms Can Occur With Shoulder Pain?
Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may include:
- Pain when raising the arm
- Shoulder stiffness
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain when reaching behind the back
- Arm weakness
- Reduced shoulder movement
- Pain during exercise
- Discomfort when sleeping on the affected side
- Pain extending into the upper arm
Persistent or worsening symptoms should be professionally assessed.
Can Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Pain?
Physiotherapy can help improve shoulder movement, strength, flexibility and physical function when appropriate for the condition.
An assessment may examine:
- Shoulder range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Shoulder and upper-back movement
- Posture
- Functional movements
- Previous injuries
- Activities that increase symptoms
Treatment may include therapeutic exercises, strengthening, mobility exercises, manual therapy, posture advice and activity modification.
The treatment approach is generally adapted to the individual’s symptoms, condition and recovery goals.
What Can Help Reduce Shoulder Pain?
Some general strategies may help manage shoulder discomfort:
Keep the Shoulder Moving
Gentle movement within a comfortable range may help maintain mobility. Avoid forcing painful movements.
Modify Aggravating Activities
If overhead exercise, lifting or repetitive movements increase symptoms, temporarily modifying those activities may be appropriate.
Improve Workplace Posture
For people who work at a desk, adjusting the workstation and taking regular movement breaks can help reduce prolonged strain.
Strengthen Gradually
Appropriate strengthening exercises can help improve the capacity of the muscles supporting the shoulder.
Seek Professional Advice for Persistent Pain
If symptoms continue, recur or interfere with daily activities, an assessment can help identify possible contributing factors.
When Should Shoulder Pain Be Assessed?
Consider consulting a physiotherapist if shoulder pain:
- Continues for several weeks
- Keeps returning
- Limits arm movement
- Affects sleep
- Makes dressing difficult
- Interferes with exercise or work
- Is associated with weakness or stiffness
- Started following an injury
Severe pain following an injury, sudden significant weakness or an inability to use the arm may require prompt medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the shoulder hurt when lifting the arm?
Shoulder pain during arm elevation can have several causes, including rotator cuff problems, stiffness, muscle strain, shoulder impingement and previous injury.
Can physiotherapy help improve shoulder movement?
Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, strength and movement depending on the underlying condition and individual assessment.
Should exercise be stopped when shoulder pain occurs?
Not necessarily. Some movement may be appropriate, but exercises that significantly increase pain may need to be modified. Professional guidance can help determine suitable activities.
How long does shoulder pain take to improve?
Recovery time varies according to the cause, severity, duration of symptoms and response to treatment.
When is shoulder pain a concern?
Persistent, worsening or function-limiting pain should be assessed. Severe pain after an injury or sudden significant weakness requires prompt medical attention.
Get Professional Help for Persistent Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can affect work, exercise, sleep and everyday movement. Identifying the possible cause is an important step toward appropriate treatment and recovery.
If shoulder pain continues or makes everyday movements difficult, book a physiotherapy assessment to discuss the symptoms and receive an individualized treatment plan.
