What You're Experiencing

Pain in the shoulder when lifting arm above head — reaching shelves, hanging clothes, or swimming.

When to seek help: This symptom should be assessed by a physiotherapist within the next 1-2 weeks to prevent it from worsening.

Likely Causes

This symptom is commonly caused by one or more of the following conditions. A physiotherapist can identify the exact cause through a thorough assessment.

1 Rotator cuff impingement
2 Supraspinatus tendinitis
3 Early frozen shoulder
4 Acromioclavicular joint problem

What a Physiotherapist Will Do

1. Assessment

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough examination including movement tests, palpation, and posture analysis to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain when reaching overhead.

2. Diagnosis

Based on the assessment, they'll explain which of the likely causes applies to you and discuss the best treatment approach.

3. Treatment

Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy for immediate relief with targeted exercises to address the underlying cause. Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 sessions.

4. Home Programme

You'll receive specific exercises and advice to continue your recovery at home, helping you get better faster between sessions.

Related Conditions & Treatments

Learn more about the conditions and treatments related to this symptom:

condition Shoulder Pain → condition Frozen Shoulder → treatment Manual Therapy →

Helpful Articles

Shoulder Injury Badminton →Best Exercises Shoulder Pain →Best Exercises Frozen Shoulder →

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I push through shoulder pain?

No. Pushing through shoulder pain can worsen rotator cuff damage and accelerate frozen shoulder development. Rest from painful movements and see a physio within 2 weeks. Early treatment prevents months of restricted movement.

What causes shoulder pain when reaching overhead?

Common causes include rotator cuff impingement, bursitis, and frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist can determine the specific cause through movement tests and develop a targeted treatment plan.

How long does shoulder pain take to recover?

Most shoulder conditions improve within 6-12 weeks with proper physiotherapy. Frozen shoulder may take longer (6-18 months) but physiotherapy significantly speeds recovery.