You go to reach for a glass, zip your jacket, or lift your arm overhead—and boom, sharp pain shoots through your shoulder. It’s not just uncomfortable. It’s stopping you from doing the basics. Sound familiar?

Here’s the kicker: shoulder pain like this doesn’t fix itself. And the longer you leave it, the more restricted and painful it becomes.

Let’s break down what it really means when you can’t lift your arm without pain—and how to finally fix it.

First: It’s Not Just “Old Age” or “Wear and Tear”

Far too many people chalk up shoulder pain to getting older. While it’s true that age can affect tissue quality, pain when lifting your arm is usually due to something mechanical and fixable.

If you’re dealing with:

• Sharp pain at the top or front of the shoulder

• Weakness when lifting overhead

• Pain when reaching behind your back or to the side

• Clicking, grinding, or catching sensations

…you’re likely dealing with a rotator cuff issue, impingement, or even the early stages of frozen shoulder.

But don’t panic—because these conditions respond incredibly well to physiotherapy when caught early.

The Real Culprits Behind the Pain

1. Rotator Cuff Irritation or Tear

Your rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles that stabilize your shoulder. When they’re inflamed, overused, or partially torn, even simple movements like raising your arm can cause sharp pain.

2. Shoulder Impingement

When there’s too much tightness or poor control in the shoulder joint, tendons can get pinched under the bony arch of your shoulder. It feels like a pinch or stab during lifting, especially overhead.

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Characterized by increasing stiffness and pain, this condition makes it nearly impossible to lift your arm without intense discomfort. The good news? It’s treatable—with the right rehab strategy.

4. Postural Dysfunction

Yes—your posture plays a massive role. Rounded shoulders and a tight upper back can change how your shoulder moves, creating unnecessary strain and compression during arm lifts.

Why Ignoring It Makes It Worse

Shoulder injuries aren’t like ankle sprains. You can’t just “walk it off.” Every time you force movement through pain, you’re reinforcing poor mechanics—and possibly doing more damage.

Over time, what started as a minor tweak becomes:

• Reduced range of motion

• Muscle atrophy

• Chronic pain

• Night-time discomfort (hello, sleepless nights)

And eventually… you might hear the word “surgery.”

Let’s avoid that, shall we?

How Physiotherapy in Ballincollig Fixes Shoulder Pain

Here at our Ballincollig physiotherapy clinic, we take a clinical-yet-custom approach to shoulder pain. That means we treat what’s causing the pain, not just where it hurts.

Here’s what your recovery could look like:

✅ Thorough movement and strength assessment – to identify the exact source of the pain
✅ Manual therapy – to release tight muscles and improve joint mechanics
✅ Targeted exercises – to retrain your shoulder stabilizers and restore pain-free movement
✅ Posture correction and mobility work – so you move better, not just feel better
✅ Personalised rehab program – based on your lifestyle, sport, or activity needs

Whether it’s a rotator cuff injury, impingement, or mobility issue—we’ve seen it, treated it, and helped patients like you get back to normal.

When Should You Get Help?

If any of the following apply, don’t wait:

• Pain with lifting or reaching

• Shoulder stiffness in the morning or after rest

• Clicking or grinding when you move your arm

• Pain at night when lying on your shoulder

• Shoulder weakness that’s affecting work, training, or daily life

Book an assessment with one of our chartered physiotherapists in Cork, and we’ll create a step-by-step plan to get your shoulder moving again—fast.

Call to Action (CTA)

If lifting your arm feels like a battle, don’t guess, Google, or grind through the pain.

Book a shoulder pain assessment at our Ballincollig physio clinic today. We’ll help you move better, hurt less, and get your arm back to full strength—without injections or surgery.