What are the possible reasons I cannot raise my arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Being unable to raise your arm is often caused by one of three conditions: diabetes-related shoulder problems (such as adhesive capsulitis, or "frozen shoulder"), zoster paresis (muscle weakness following a shingles infection), or deconditioning from prolonged inactivity or immobilization.

Because these causes range from nerve-related complications to musculoskeletal issues, identifying the right one early can make a significant difference in recovery. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down the likely cause based on your specific symptoms and guide you toward the appropriate next steps—whether that's self-care, physical therapy, or seeing a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why arm-raising hurts Learn if your shoulder needs care Find likely causes of arm pain See OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder problems Understand home remedies for shoulder pain Check if arm pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

There are several reasons why you might not be able to raise your arm. One reason could be related to diabetes, which can cause problems in the shoulder. People with diabetes might experience stiffness or pain, making it hard to move their arm.

Another possible cause is zoster paresis. This condition most commonly happens when the virus that causes chickenpox becomes reactivated and begins to affect nerves controling shoulder movement. This can cause weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift the arm.

Lastly, sometimes the shoulder can become weak or stiff due to deconditioning. Deconditioning occurs if the shoulder is not regularly exercised properly or used enough. Physiotherapy can help, as it involves exercises and treatments that can make the shoulder stronger and more flexible, helping you move your arm better.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool and then talk to a healthcare professional who can help determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate treatments.

(References)

Garcilazo C, Cavallasca JA, & Musuruana JL. (2010). Shoulder manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Current diabetes reviews, 20701586.
Yaszay B, Jablecki CK, & Safran MR. (2000). Zoster paresis of the shoulder. Case report and review .... Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 10943192.
Wadhokar OC, Dahiwadkar M, Rawal S, Arora R, Choudhari A, Mali A, et al. (2024). Unveiling the Transformative Impact of Physiotherapy in .... Cureus, 38440023.

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