Shoulder pain and inability to lift the arm

After a fall, a rotator cuff tear or bone injury can produce sudden pain and weakness. Without a clear injury, rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement, calcific tendinitis, or a frozen shoulder may restrict elevation. Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause aching, stiffness, and grinding. Cervical radiculopathy may cause neck-to-arm pain with tingling, altered sensation, or weakness. The degree of passive movement matters: a clinician may gently move the arm while you relax, then compare active movement and strength.

Protect the arm from lifting, pushing, and pulling that increases pain. Support it briefly in a comfortable position, but avoid keeping the shoulder completely still for long periods unless instructed. Gentle hand, wrist, and elbow movement helps prevent unnecessary stiffness. Do not force the arm overhead or test strength repeatedly. Arrange a medical or physiotherapy assessment so the examination can determine whether imaging, pain relief, or guided exercises are appropriate.

Seek urgent care after trauma when the shoulder is misshapen, the arm is unusable, or there is severe swelling, numbness, or a pale or cold hand. Emergency help is needed for shoulder pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, faintness, or sweating. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for fever, a red hot joint, or rapidly worsening weakness. See [Shoulder Pain](/symptoms/shoulder-pain/) for related information.

Is the limitation caused mainly by pain or by weakness? Could the neck be contributing? Which movements are safe before treatment begins? Do I need imaging, and what would it show? When should supervised rehabilitation start?