• Shoulder pain
• Weakness lifting the arm
• Pain with overhead movement
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain at night
• Clicking or cracking sensation
• Difficulty throwing or lifting

• Dull ache deep in the shoulder
• Sharp pain during lifting or throwing
• Weak or tired arm feeling
• Pain sleeping on the shoulder
• Shoulder feels stiff or unstable

• Overhead sports
• Throwing injuries
• Heavy lifting
• Overuse
• Falls on the shoulder
• Contact sports
• Sudden pulling motions
• Poor shoulder mechanics

• Pain lifting your arm overhead
• Weakness when lifting objects
• Pain reaching behind your back
• Shoulder pain during throwing or bench press
• Pain that worsens after activity

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Stop painful overhead activity
2. 2Rest the shoulder
3. 3Apply ice for 15–20 minutes at a time
4. 4Avoid heavy lifting or throwing
5. 5Begin gentle mobility if tolerated
6. 6Use anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate
7. 7Seek medical evaluation if pain or weakness persists
8. 8Start physical therapy as recommended

• Sudden severe shoulder pain
• Significant weakness in the arm
• Inability to lift the arm
• Shoulder deformity after injury
• Numbness or tingling
• Persistent night pain
• Loss of shoulder function
• Symptoms not improving with rest

• Gradually rebuild shoulder strength
• Focus on rotator cuff and shoulder stability exercises
• Avoid rushing back into throwing or lifting
• Maintain good posture during activity
• Warm up properly before sports
• Increase activity slowly as pain improves
• Stay consistent with physical therapy exercises
• Stop activities that cause sharp pain