What treatments are available for shoulder pain when lifting the arm out to the side?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain when lifting your arm is often caused by rotator cuff issues, impingement, or tendinitis. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and targeted stretching exercises. However, if conservative care fails after several weeks, or if pain is severe and limits daily activities, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue.

Because shoulder pain has many possible causes—ranging from minor strains to serious tears—identifying the source early is key to effective treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what's likely behind your pain, how urgent it may be, and what steps to take next. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, discomfort, and unnecessary worry.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of shoulder pain when lifting Learn if shoulder pain needs care today Find out what makes arm lifting painful See OTC options for shoulder pain relief Find a doctor for shoulder pain treatment Discover home remedies for shoulder pain Understand if shoulder pain needs urgent evaluation

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Explanation

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by using a free symptom checker tool. They can help determine the exact cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments, if resting for a short time does not improve symptoms. Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying issue, and a healthcare provider can guide you on the best course of action. Treatment options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and surgery.

(References)

Viswanath P, Singaraju V, Lubahn J, Nelson M, & Cooney T. (2013). Role of nonoperative treatment of subacromial impingement. Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances, 24393181.
Chin PY, Sperling JW, Cofield RH, Stuart MJ, & Crownhart BS. (2007). Anterior acromioplasty for the shoulder impingement .... Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 17950628.
Weber SC. (1999). Arthroscopic debridement and acromioplasty versus mini- .... Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 10210067.

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