Why can't I lift my arm?
Understanding a painful shoulder that will not lift, and how a physiotherapist helps you get the movement back.
M. Thurairaj, MAHPC-registered physiotherapist reviewWhy a shoulder stops lifting
The shoulder is a mobile joint, so many things can make it painful and hard to lift. Strain of the tendons, stiffness, or irritation around the joint are common causes.
Often the pain builds up over time rather than after one clear injury. Reaching overhead, behind the back, or lying on that side can become sore.
Some people find the shoulder gradually stiffens until movement is limited in every direction. This is worth having assessed.
Understanding what is going on often eases the worry that comes with a shoulder that will not move. With the right, steady work, movement usually returns, though it takes patience.
How a physiotherapist helps
A physiotherapist assesses how the shoulder moves, which movements hurt, and how the neck and upper back are involved, since they affect the shoulder.
Treatment usually works on easing the painful area, restoring movement gently, and then building the strength that holds the shoulder steady.
Everyday goals guide the plan, such as reaching a shelf, dressing, or sleeping on that side again without pain.
What you can do day to day
While the shoulder settles, small changes help. Avoiding the positions that sharply hurt, keeping the arm gently moving within comfort, and setting up a comfortable way to sleep can all ease things.
Stopping all movement often makes a stiff shoulder worse, so gentle activity within comfort matters.
A physiotherapist guides how much movement is right for your shoulder, so you neither push into sharp pain nor let it seize up.
Warning signs to check
Some shoulder problems need a doctor rather than exercise. Pain after a fall or clear injury, an arm that cannot move at all, or an obvious change in the shape of the shoulder should be checked promptly.
Numbness or weakness spreading down the arm, or shoulder pain with chest tightness or breathlessness, needs urgent medical care.
We watch for these signs and help you get the right care when they appear.
Ask about shoulder pain
If a painful shoulder is stopping you lifting your arm or sleeping well, send us a short message about how it started and what makes it worse, and we will explain how we would help you get the movement back.
Common questions
Why does my shoulder hurt to lift but there was no injury?
Shoulder pain often builds up over time without one clear injury, from tendon strain, stiffness or irritation around the joint. Reaching overhead or behind the back becomes sore. A physiotherapist assesses what is driving it and builds a plan to restore movement and ease the pain.
Should I rest my shoulder or keep moving it?
Complete rest often makes a stiff shoulder worse. Gentle movement within comfort usually helps keep it from seizing up, while sharp painful positions are avoided for a while. A physiotherapist guides how much movement is right so you neither overdo it nor let it stiffen.
When should I see a doctor about shoulder pain?
See a doctor promptly for pain after a fall or clear injury, an arm that cannot move, or a change in the shoulder's shape. Seek urgent care if numbness or weakness spreads down the arm, or shoulder pain comes with chest tightness or breathlessness.
Talk through the problem
If a painful shoulder is stopping you lifting your arm or sleeping well, send us a short message about how it started and what makes it worse, and we will explain how we would help you get the movement back.