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Shoulder Pain During a Side Raise

Where Shoulder Pain is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Shoulder Pain is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Shoulder pain during a side raise commonly comes from irritated shoulder tissues, restricted movement, or weakness, but a clinician must match the movement pattern with the examination.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main load
Rotator cuff and shoulder stabilisers

Possible explanations

A side raise challenges the rotator cuff. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis and Shoulder Impingement may hurt during the lift. A Rotator Cuff Tear can cause weakness after injury. Frozen Shoulder limits several directions, while Shoulder Osteoarthritis may cause deep ache. Calcific Tendinitis can cause intense pain, and Cervical Radiculopathy may add tingling or pain below the shoulder.

Adjusting activity

Temporarily reduce resistance, repetitions, and height. Move through a comfortable range and stop if pain is sharp or strength suddenly drops. A physiotherapist can assess technique, shoulder-blade control, and strength before building a gradual programme.

Warning signs

Arrange assessment if pain persists, affects sleep, or prevents reaching. Seek urgent care for inability to lift the arm after injury, deformity, major swelling, or a numb or unusually cold hand. Chest symptoms or breathlessness need emergency help.

Ask about your exercise

Which part of the side raise is provoking symptoms? Is weakness present? Should I pause resistance training, and would physiotherapy or imaging help?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Should I push through pain?

No. Reduce the load and seek advice if pain continues or strength is affected.

Can technique contribute?

It can increase loading, but persistent pain still deserves assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.