I Can’t Reach Behind My Back
Difficulty turning your hand behind your back is a classic early sign of frozen shoulder. Everyday actions such as fastening a bra, reaching into a back pocket, or putting on a belt become uncomfortable.
Why Can’t I Reach Behind My Back?
When the shoulder joint’s internal rotation (turning inward) is restricted, it becomes difficult to turn your hand behind your back.
Main Causes
- Frozen shoulder, as the joint capsule stiffens, internal rotation is the first movement to be limited.
- Subscapularis problems, when the inner rotator cuff muscle is affected, internal rotation becomes difficult.
- Posterior capsule tightness, when the back of the shoulder stiffens, turning the arm backward becomes hard.
Everyday Movements That Become Difficult
- Fastening a bra and pulling up a zipper from behind
- Taking a wallet out of a back pocket
- Putting on a belt
- Scratching your back
- Tucking a shirt into your pants
Early Treatment Matters
Difficulty reaching behind your back is an early stage of frozen shoulder. Left untreated, movement becomes limited in every direction and the pain worsens. Treated early, recovery is faster.
Circulation Therapy Restores Your Movement
- Circulation HD, releases the stiffened joint capsule and fascia.
- Circulation PT, gradually restores internal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t Reach Behind Your Back?
It may be an early sign of frozen shoulder. Early diagnosis and treatment make a fast recovery possible.
Book OnlineReferences
- Rangan A et al. Surgical vs nonsurgical treatment of adults with shoulder contracture (frozen shoulder): a randomised controlled trial. JAMA. 2015;314(13):1358-1369.
- Challoumas D et al. Comparison of treatments for frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(12):e2029581. PMC7489762
- Dyer BP et al. Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Gen Pract. 2019;69(681):e259-e268.