Why does moving my arm across my chest cause pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when moving your arm across your chest is often caused by scapulothoracic bursitis, rotator cuff strain, AC joint dysfunction, or shoulder impingement. Less commonly, it may stem from prior treatments like radiotherapy, which can cause tissue fibrosis and restricted movement.

Because the shoulder involves overlapping muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves, self-diagnosing the exact cause is difficult—and the right treatment depends entirely on the underlying issue. Before guessing or delaying care, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's built by doctors, personalized to your symptoms, and helps you understand possible causes and clarify your next steps—so you can move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of arm chest pain See if chest pain needs care Find out if arm pain is serious Find OTC relief for chest pain Find a doctor for chest pain Understand home remedies for chest pain Check if your pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

When you feel pain while moving your arm across your chest, it might be due to a condition called scapulothoracic bursitis. This is when the area where your shoulder blade meets your chest wall gets irritated. This irritation can cause pain, especially when you move your arm.

Another possible reason for this pain could be past treatments like radiotherapy. Sometimes, after radiotherapy performed in the chest or upper arm area, people can develop shoulder and arm problems. This might make movements like reaching across your chest feel painful.

Possible Causes:

Scapulothoracic Bursitis: This condition involves inflammation in the area where the shoulder blade glides over the chest wall.
Radiotherapy Effects: Previous radiotherapy treatments can lead to issues that cause discomfort in the shoulder and arm.

If you are experiencing this kind of pain, you can get personalized insights about your symptoms by taking our free AI-powered symptom checker, or speak with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

(References)

Boneti C, Arentz C, & Klimberg VS. (2010). Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast .... Annals of surgical oncology, 20853053.
Chen HJ, Chuang HC, Xu GX, Chen C, Su WR, & Huang CC. (2024). Wearable Ultrasound Imaging Device for Dynamic Dual .... IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 38163298.
Deutsch M, & Flickinger JC. (2001). Shoulder and arm problems after radiotherapy for primary .... American journal of clinical oncology, 11319294.

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