Shoulder
Shoulder Pain
“It hurts when I lift my arm overhead”
Shoulder pain has many causes, from tendon irritation to stiffness. A careful assessment guides the right exercise-based plan.
This guide is general education to help you understand your options. It is not a diagnosis — only an assessment by a qualified clinician can tell you what is causing your symptoms.
In plain words
The shoulder is a very mobile joint that relies on muscles and tendons for stability. Pain often comes from tendons that have been overloaded. Strengthening and gradually re-loading the shoulder usually helps.
What you may notice
- Pain when raising or rotating the arm
- Pain lying on the affected side
- Weakness or catching sensation
Common causes
- Tendon overload (e.g. rotator cuff)
- Repetitive overhead work or sport
- Posture and shoulder-blade control
- Injury or fall
What an assessment may include
- Detailed history of activity and onset
- Movement and strength tests
- Specific tests for tendons and joint stability
Your care pathway
Load management and pain relief
Progressive strengthening
Shoulder-blade and posture training
Return to work, sport or overhead tasks
Clinical detail
Rotator-cuff related shoulder pain responds well to progressive loading programmes over 8–12 weeks.
When to seek prompt medical help
- Left shoulder or arm pain with chest discomfort — call 108
- A deformed shoulder after a fall
- Fever with a hot, swollen joint
In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department. This website cannot provide emergency care.