Pain in shoulder when lifting arm is one of the ost common orthopedic complaints in adults, and one of the most frequently misunderstood by patients. The mobility in shoulder joint depends on coordination of tendons, muscles, fluid-filled sacs, and structure of bones. When any of those components is damaged or irritated, you may experience shoulder pain when lifting arm. In this guide, we’ll help you know shoulder pain causes, symptoms, and when you need to see a specialist.
The shoulder joint is not a simple joint. It involves the subacromial bursa (a fluid-filled sac that supports those tendons), rotator cuff (four tendons that help rotate the upper arm bone), the acromion (the bony roof of the shoulder), the labrum (a ring of cartilage that deepens the socket), and the biceps tendon. When any of these structures become stiffened, compressed, inflamed, or torn, the mechanics of arm elevation break down. Here are the most common culprits:
Each leads to pain in overlapping ways, which is why self-diagnosis falls short. The location, arc, and type of your pain each tell part of the story.
Shoulder impingement is caused when the bursa and rotator cuff tendons are compressed under the acromion when elevating the arm. This is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults under 65, especially in individuals with overhead athletic activity, physically demanding jobs, or repetitive reaching demands. Bone spurs along the acromion can slowly narrow the available space, making impingement worse over time. Left untreated, chronic impingement creates the conditions for partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The condition can be treated, but it won’t resolve on its own.
The four rotator cuff muscles - infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis work in coordination to keep the shoulder joint stable and control upper arm bone rotation. Rotator-cuff tendinitis means the tendons are inflamed. A rotator cuff tear indicates physical d disruption of the tissue itself. Two warning signs that indicate a rotator cuff tear: significant weakness when lifting the arm and pain that doesn’t improve on its own or with rest.
The subacromial bursa supports the rotator cuff tendons against the acromion. When it becomes damaged or inflamed from injury, overuse, or sustained compression from impingement, it swells and makes overhead motion acutely painful. Shoulder bursitis rarely happens in isolation. It’s generally found alongside shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tendinitis. The pain may get worse with reaching your arm overhead.
Adhesive capsulitis is tightening of the shoulder joint capsule that limits range of motion in all directions. It’s commonly found in women between 40 and 60, and in people dealing with thyroid or diabetes conditions. Frozen shoulder doesn’t just cause pain, but it can also lead to weakness and stiffness. It restricts movement. You won’t be able to lift the arm properly without resistance and discomfort.
Shoulder pain that comes from bursitis can come on suddenly or build up slowly. You may experience a dull pain all the time. However, the pain may become sharp inside your shoulder when you lift your arm over your head. You will feel more pain if you sleep or lie on your affected shoulder.
Opting for gentle external rotation stretches can be an ideal early intervention. They help maintain mobility, decompress the joint, and don’t load the rotator cuff under tension. These are a reasonable starting point to reduce shoulder pain while you arrange a consultation with Physio Glenroy at Magnus Medical Centre.
After recovering from an injury or condition, opting for physiotherapy can help you strengthen your shoulder. It can reduce the pain and prevent the condition from coming back.
In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to repair damage or replace your shoulder joint. If other options haven’t helped, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Conclusion
If you experience shoulder pain when lifting your arm, you need to identify the root cause. You can also speak to a physiotherapist at Magnus Medical, a bulk billing medical centre Glenroy, to get personalised guidance to relieve shoulder pain.
