Many people often ignore shoulder pain, writing it off as simple aches and pains caused by fatigue or sleeping in the wrong position. However, if the pain occurs specifically every time you raise your arm, such as when combing your hair, reaching for objects on high shelves, or putting on clothes, this condition requires more attention.
The shoulder is one of the most flexible and complex joints in the human body. Pain that occurs when the arm is moved upwards can indicate a problem with the joint's structure or surrounding tissues.
Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting Arms
Here are some common medical causes of shoulder pain when lifting your arm.
1. Rotator Cuff Impingement (Shoulder Muscle Impingement)
This is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain when lifting the arm. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the upper arm bone stable within the shoulder girdle.
Impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons rub or are pinched by the overlying bone (acromion) when the arm is lifted. This condition typically causes sharp pain at a specific angle when the arm is raised upward or sideways (usually at a 60- to 120-degree angle).
2. Tendinitis or Rotator Cuff Tear
If a pinched shoulder muscle is left untreated, the tendon can become chronically inflamed, a condition called tendinitis. In more severe cases, due to repetitive heavy activity or a sudden injury, the tendon can even tear ( rotator cuff tear ).
In addition to pain when lifting the arm, symptoms of a tear are generally accompanied by weakness in the arm, making it difficult for you to hold even light weights in a raised position.
3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capjualitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by gradually developing stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, limiting the joint's range of motion.
In the initial phase, lifting the arm will be extremely painful. Over time, the pain may lessen slightly, but the shoulder will become so stiff that it's difficult or impossible to lift it at all (as if frozen).
4. Shoulder Bursitis
Inside the shoulder joint is a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa, which acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the bones and tendons. Repetitive overhead arm movements (such as swimming, playing badminton, or painting) can cause this bursa to become inflamed.
Bursitis causes the shoulder area to become sensitive, and the pressure that occurs when the arm is raised upwards will immediately trigger a disturbing pain.
Symptoms That Require a Doctor's Examination
Although some mild shoulder pain may improve with rest, you are advised to consult an orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist immediately if you experience the following conditions:
- Pain persists or worsens after more than two weeks.
- The pain is so severe at night that it disturbs your sleep.
- The arm feels weak, numb, or tingling that spreads to the fingers.
- The shoulder joint appears significantly deformed or swollen.
Safe Initial Treatment at Home
Before getting a definitive diagnosis from a medical professional, there are several first aid steps you can take to reduce your symptoms:
1. Rest Your Joints
Avoid activities that require you to raise your arms above your head or carry heavy loads for a while.
2. Cold Therapy
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the painful shoulder area for 15–20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day to reduce inflammation.
3. Improve your posture
Avoid slouching while sitting or standing, as poor posture can narrow the space in the shoulder joint and exacerbate muscle strain.
Immediately have an examination with a specialist doctor.
Shoulder pain when lifting your arm is a signal from your body that something is wrong with your joint's movement mechanism. Don't rush into massaging or massaging the injured shoulder area without knowing the exact cause, as this can exacerbate tissue tears. Early, appropriate medical evaluation will help you receive appropriate treatment and restore normal arm function.
Article written by Dr. Jansen, Sp.OT, Subsp.OBS (K) (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Subspecialist Consultant Shoulder & Elbow EMC Pulomas Hospital).