What causes pain when moving my arm across my body?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when moving your arm across your body is often linked to conditions such as scapulothoracic bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, or frozen shoulder—issues that become more common with age. This type of cross-body discomfort typically signals inflammation, tendon irritation, or joint dysfunction in the shoulder region.

Because shoulder pain can stem from many different causes—ranging from minor strain to conditions requiring medical attention—identifying the source early is key to effective treatment. A quick, free symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes based on your specific symptoms, giving you clarity on what may be going on and guidance on the right next steps. It takes just a few minutes, is completely free, and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing arm movement pain See if arm pain needs care today Discover if arm pain is serious Find OTC options for arm movement pain Find a doctor for arm pain Understand home remedies for arm movement pain Check likely causes of arm movement pain

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Explanation

When you feel pain while moving your arm across your body, it might be due to a condition called scapulothoracic bursitis. This is happens when a bursa, a small fluid filled sac, located around the long edge of one of your shoulder blades becomes inflamed and causes pain. This type of pain can also be related to shoulder issues that are often seen in older adults.

Possible Causes

Scapulothoracic Bursitis: This occurs when a bursa in the shoulder blade area becomes inflamed, leading to pain when moving the arm.
Age-Related Shoulder Pain: As people age, they might experience more shoulder pain due to wear and tear or other conditions affecting the shoulder. One of these conditions is arthritis involving the acomioclavicular joint, which is the joint you can feel at the far end of your collar-bone closest to the shoulder.

If you experience persistent pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. You can start by using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms and get guidance on next steps.

(References)

Boneti C, Arentz C, & Klimberg VS. (2010). Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast .... Annals of surgical oncology, 20853053.
Vogt MT, Simonsick EM, Harris TB, Nevitt MC, Kang JD, Rubin SM, et al. (2003). Neck and shoulder pain in 70- to 79-year-old men and .... The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 14609687.

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