Why Does My Shoulder Hurt When I Lift My Arm?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?”, you’re not alone. Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist. It can make simple tasks like reaching into a cabinet, putting on a shirt, or lifting groceries feel frustrating and painful.
In many cases, shoulder pain when lifting your arm is a sign that something in the joint, muscles, or surrounding tissues isn’t working properly. The good news is that most shoulder conditions can be treated successfully, especially when diagnosed early.
Below, we’ll explain common causes of shoulder pain and shoulder blade pain, what your symptoms may mean, and when it’s time to see a shoulder specialist in San Antonio.
Understanding How the Shoulder Works
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It allows you to lift, rotate, and move your arm in many directions. Because it is so mobile, it is also more prone to injury.
When you lift your arm, several muscles and tendons work together. If one part becomes inflamed, torn, or irritated, you may feel pain during that movement.
Common Reasons Your Shoulder Hurts When You Lift Your Arm
1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder. Overuse, aging, or injury can cause inflammation or tears in these tendons.
Symptoms often include:
Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
Weakness in the arm
Pain that worsens at night
If the pain has been ongoing or is getting worse, a rotator cuff injury may be the cause.
2. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between bones during movement. This commonly causes pain when raising your arm above shoulder height.
You may notice:
Sharp pain when lifting
Difficulty reaching behind your back
Pain during sports or repetitive motion
Early treatment can often prevent the condition from worsening.
3. Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes stiffness and pain that gradually worsens. Over time, the shoulder becomes harder to move.
This condition often develops after an injury or surgery, or in people with diabetes. If you feel both pain and stiffness that limit movement, frozen shoulder may be the reason.
4. Shoulder Blade Pain and Muscle Strain
Sometimes the pain is not coming directly from the shoulder joint but from the muscles around the shoulder blade. Poor posture, long hours at a desk, or heavy lifting can strain these muscles.
Shoulder pain and shoulder blade pain often feel like:
A dull ache in the upper back
Tightness between the shoulder blades
Pain that improves with stretching or posture correction
Physical therapy and strengthening exercises can often help.
5. Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time. This can cause pain with movement, stiffness, and sometimes grinding or popping sensations.
Arthritis pain may feel worse with activity and improve with rest.
When Should You See a Shoulder Specialist?
Occasional soreness after activity is normal. But you should see a shoulder specialist in San Antonio if:
Pain lasts more than a few weeks
You cannot lift your arm fully
You feel weakness or instability
Pain wakes you up at night
You notice swelling or deformity
Early evaluation can prevent small problems from turning into larger injuries.
How Shoulder Pain Is Treated
Treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Many patients improve with non-surgical care, including:
Rest and activity changes
Anti-inflammatory medications
Targeted injections
If conservative treatments do not help, surgery may be considered for conditions such as significant rotator cuff tears or severe arthritis.
At the Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our fellowship-trained providers focus on conditions of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. We create personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain and restore movement.
Get Answers for Your Shoulder Pain
If you’re wondering, “Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?”, the best step is getting a professional evaluation. Shoulder pain can have many causes, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients return to normal activity.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or shoulder blade pain, contact the Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio today to schedule an appointment with an experienced shoulder specialist. Relief may be closer than you think.