Why Does My Shoulder Hurt When I Lift My Arm?

Have you ever gone to reach for something and felt a sharp pain in your shoulder?
You're not alone — shoulder pain when lifting your arm is a common issue, and it can get in the way of doing everyday things, like getting dressed, reaching for a shelf, or even waving hello.

In this blog, we’ll break down why it happens, what it could mean, and how physiotherapy can help you feel better and move easier again.

Common Reasons for Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm

There are a few main reasons why your shoulder might hurt when you try to lift it. Here’s a quick look:

1. Rotator Cuff Problems

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder joint stable.
If it's injured or inflamed, lifting your arm can feel sharp, pinchy, or weak.

Signs to look for:

• Pain on the side of your shoulder

• Weakness when trying to lift things

• Trouble sleeping on your sore side

2. Shoulder Impingement

This happens when the space inside your shoulder gets a bit too tight, and tendons start to rub or “catch” as you lift your arm.
It can feel like a pinching or squeezing sensation.

It often feels worse when:

• You lift your arm overhead

• You reach behind your back

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

If your shoulder feels stiff, sore, and hard to move, you might be dealing with a frozen shoulder.
It usually builds up slowly over time and can stick around for months if untreated.

Typical signs:

• Stiffness that makes everyday tasks difficult

• Pain even at rest, especially at night

4. Tendonitis or Bursitis

Tendonitis is when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed.
Bursitis happens when small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) in your shoulder get inflamed.
Both can cause pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness.

What Should You Do If Your Shoulder Hurts?

First, it’s important not to ignore the pain.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention.
If lifting your arm keeps causing discomfort or gets worse over time, it’s a good idea to seek help from a physiotherapist.

At Sport and Spine Physio in Adamstown, we can:

• Assess your shoulder movement

• Find out which muscles or tendons are involved

• Create a personalised treatment plan to help you heal and strengthen your shoulder

How Physiotherapy Can Help Your Shoulder Pain

When you come in for a physio session, we'll guide you through a plan that might include:

• Gentle, targeted exercises to rebuild strength and movement

• Hands-on treatments like joint mobilisation or soft tissue massage

• Advice about posture and daily habits to reduce strain

• Home exercises you can do to speed up recovery

Think of it like coaching your shoulder back to full health — safely and at a pace that suits you.

When to Get Help

You don’t have to wait until the pain is unbearable.
See a physio if you notice:

• Pain that doesn’t improve after a few days

• Trouble lifting your arm above your head

• Weakness or instability in your shoulder

• Clicking, grinding, or catching sensations

Catching shoulder issues early often means a faster, smoother recovery!

Final Thoughts

Shoulder pain when lifting your arm can be frustrating — but it’s also very treatable.
With the right care, you can get back to reaching, lifting, and moving freely again.

If your shoulder has been bothering you, why not book an appointment with us at Sport and Spine Physio in Adamstown, Newcastle?
We’re here to help you feel better and move better — so you can get back to doing the things you love.