Video Description
Difficulty lifting the arm to the side, combing your hair, or putting on a shirt is a common way shoulder problems first show up. There are several possible causes, and they affect a wide age range — most often between about 35 and 60.
Identifying the specific cause, and the stage it has reached, is what guides treatment.
This page covers the common causes of shoulder pain and restricted movement, including frozen shoulder, and how physiotherapy is typically approached.
What causes it
- Muscle injury from sport, gym activity, or pulling and pushing heavy objects
- Poorly controlled diabetes, which is associated with a stiff, painful shoulder
- Frozen shoulder, where the muscles and capsule around the shoulder stiffen; pain can be severe and movement can become very limited if left unaddressed
How physiotherapy helps
Assessment first establishes whether the pain comes from a muscle injury, an arthritic shoulder, or frozen shoulder, and which stage it is at. An MRI may be suggested to confirm the diagnosis and show the structures involved.
Because pain is usually the first problem, treatment often begins with pain relief. As pain and swelling settle, movement tends to return gradually, and mobilisation exercises are introduced to rebuild the range needed for everyday actions — reaching, dressing, and grooming — followed by strengthening based on your muscle capacity.
Continuing the exercises matters: stopping early can allow the problem to return. Improvements are usually gradual rather than sudden. A specific rotator cuff injury can also cause similar symptoms and is assessed the same way.
What to avoid while it settles
- Heavy lifting with the affected arm
- Pulling or pushing heavy objects, such as a heavy door
- Lying on the affected side
These are best avoided until pain and swelling reduce and movement begins to return.
Booking an assessment
If you cannot lift your arm without pain, an assessment can identify the cause and stage. Learn more about shoulder pain physiotherapy or call to book.
Chennai Physio Care® — Anna Nagar West, Chennai
📞 73052 74514
🕐 Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Home visits are available across Anna Nagar, Kilpauk, Mogappair, Arumbakkam, Koyambedu, and Korattur. Call us to discuss whether a home visit is appropriate for your situation.
Last reviewed by Dr. N Vanathy, PT — July 2026 Chennai Physio Care®, Anna Nagar West, Chennai