You try to reach for a cup on the top shelf or lift your arm during exercise and suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your shoulder. Maybe it started gradually, or flared up after a weekend of sports. Now you’re asking yourself: Is this something serious? Should I be worried?
The good news: While shoulder pain when raising your arm can be uncomfortable, most cases aren’t dangerous and can be treated without surgery, especially if addressed early with the right steps.
Why Your Shoulder Hurts When You Lift Your Arm
Pain when lifting your arm is often linked to issues in the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles and tendons. Common causes include:
- Rotator cuff injuries – tears or strains in the muscles that help lift and rotate the arm
- Tendonitis – inflamed tendons from overuse or repetitive overhead movements
- Bursitis – swelling in the small cushioning sacs of the shoulder
- Shoulder sprain – stretched or partially torn ligaments that stabilize the joint
- Posture-related strain – poor sitting, sleeping, or lifting habits that stress the shoulder
Knowing the cause is key to finding the right relief.
Signs Your Shoulder Pain Needs Attention
You might need a professional assessment if your shoulder pain when lifting your arm comes with:
- Sharp or stabbing pain during overhead movement
- Difficulty reaching across your body
- Weakness or a sense that the shoulder could “give way”
- Swelling or bruising around the shoulder
- Limited range of motion that affects daily tasks
Early evaluation can prevent the problem from getting worse and help you recover faster.
How to Relieve Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm
- Start With Simple Home Care
- Rest the shoulder and avoid movements that trigger pain
- Apply ice packs for 10–15 minutes, several times a day
- Consider over-the-counter pain relief, if safe
- Use a supportive sling for short periods if needed
- Guided Rehabilitation
If pain continues beyond a couple of weeks:
- Physiotherapy can restore flexibility, strengthen shoulder muscles, and correct movement habits
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) options like tuina massage or acupuncture may help reduce tension and improve circulation
- Explore Targeted Treatments
When home care and physiotherapy aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend targeted injections, — but it’s vital to treat the right problem. At Singapore Paincare, we start with Painostic® treatment methodology: a detailed assessment of your posture, movement, imaging results, and pain patterns to pinpoint the true cause of your discomfort.
With that clarity, we deliver targeted injections using image guidance for pinpoint accuracy. These minimally invasive treatments — from cortisone to PRP — are performed in-clinic, often in under 30 minutes, and can provide significant pain relief so you can get back to what you love sooner.
Bottom Line
Shoulder pain when lifting your arm is common, but most cases don’t require surgery. Acting early, following a structured plan, and getting professional guidance can help you regain strength and mobility safely.
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Book a consultation with our team today to get a tailored assessment and explore non-surgical relief options.
Learn More About Shoulder Pain
Read the full clinical guide →