My Arm Won’t Lift
Difficulty raising the arm is often frozen shoulder, impingement, or a rotator cuff tear. Which angle blocks you and whether it’s pain or weakness points to the cause.
Quick clues
Stiff in every direction
Likely frozen shoulder: capsule is tight, all motions feel blocked.
Hurts at 60–120° but better above
Likely impingement: tendon pinches in mid-range.
Arm drops or feels weak when lifting
Possible rotator cuff tear: strength loss from tendon injury.
Treatment focus
- Frozen shoulder: free the capsule, gently expand motion.
- Impingement: calm inflammation, retrain shoulder mechanics.
- Rotator cuff tear: rehab for partial tears; surgery only for major loss of strength or acute full tears.
Get the right diagnosis
Different causes need different plans. Ultrasound and movement testing show whether it’s stiffness, impingement, or tendon injury.
Restore motion with Circulation care
- Circulation HD to release capsular/fascial stiffness.
- Circulation PT to rebuild healthy shoulder patterns.