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Pain lifting the arm overhead

Also called: Rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear

Pain when lifting the arm overhead is most often caused by rotator cuff problems, like tendinitis, impingement, or a tear. Pain is often on the outer shoulder and worse at night. Most cases improve with rest and exercises. Sudden weakness after an injury, or shoulder pain with chest pain or shortness of breath, needs prompt care.

Common causesRotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, tear, frozen shoulder
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifThere's weakness, it's after an injury, or not improving
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place and help lift the arm. Overuse, especially reaching overhead, and aging can irritate or tear them.

Pain often spreads down the outer upper arm, is worse when reaching up or behind, and can wake you at night when lying on that side. A frozen shoulder causes stiffness in all directions. Arthritis and neck problems can also cause shoulder pain.

When to get medical care

Call 911Shoulder pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or jaw pain (possible heart attack).
Get care todaySudden weakness or can't lift the arm after a fall or injury. A shoulder that looks deformed. A hot, swollen shoulder with fever.
See a doctor soonPain that lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks. Pain that wakes you at night. Weakness lifting the arm. Stiffness that's getting worse.

Causes

Common causes include rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, and frozen shoulder. Other causes include arthritis, biceps tendinitis, dislocation, and pain spreading from the neck.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause pain lifting the arm overhead. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

What you can do at home

  • Avoid overhead reaching and heavy lifting for a while.
  • Ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day.
  • Keep moving gently to prevent stiffness.
  • Do stretching and strengthening exercises as advised.
  • Sleep on the other side with a pillow under the sore arm.

Medicines

Ibuprofen or naproxen can help. Physical therapy works for most people. A steroid injection may help. Large tears may need surgery.

At the doctor

The provider will test your shoulder's strength and movement.

Questions you may be asked

  • How the pain started
  • Overhead work or sports
  • Night pain
  • Weakness
  • Injury

The exam

A shoulder exam with movement and strength tests.

Tests

  • X-rays
  • An ultrasound or MRI if a tear is suspected

Prevention

You can protect your shoulders.

  • Strengthen shoulder muscles
  • Take breaks from overhead work
  • Use good posture

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.