Pain when lifting your arm is a common shoulder complaint and can affect everyday activities such as reaching for objects, dressing or exercising. This type of pain often develops gradually and may worsen with overhead movement or lifting.
At Physio Solutions in Gorey, our physiotherapists regularly assess and treat shoulder pain related to lifting and overhead movement.
Common Causes
Pain when lifting the arm may be caused by several conditions, including:
Rotator cuff irritation
The rotator cuff tendons help lift and stabilise the arm. Irritation of these tendons is one of the most common causes of pain when raising the arm.
Shoulder impingement
This occurs when tendons become irritated as they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder during arm movement.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder can cause pain and significant restriction when attempting to lift the arm.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Physiotherapy may include:
- Manual therapy to restore joint movement
- Strengthening exercises
- Shoulder stabilisation exercises
- Mobility exercises
Most shoulder problems improve significantly with the right rehabilitation programme.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should consider physiotherapy if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- Lifting your arm becomes difficult
- Shoulder pain is affecting your sleep
- Symptoms are getting worse
Book a Shoulder Assessment
If you are experiencing pain when lifting your arm, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
