Inability to Rotate or Raise Your Arm Through a Normal Range of Movement – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Inability to Rotate or Raise Your Arm Through a Normal Range of Movement: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments at Emirates Hospitals Group

The inability to rotate or raise your arm can be caused by various conditions affecting the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, or nerves, resulting in restricted mobility and pain. These limitations in movement can significantly impact daily activities such as lifting objects, reaching overhead, or performing tasks that require arm rotation. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage and restore normal shoulder function.

Causes

Common causes include:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Tears, strains, or inflammation in the rotator cuff muscles and tendons can limit arm movement and cause pain.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Stiffness and inflammation in the shoulder capsule can lead to a restricted range of motion and pain while raising or rotating the arm.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – The tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed, causing pain and restricting arm movement.
• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the shoulder joint, limiting arm movement.
• Shoulder Dislocations or Fractures – Injury to the shoulder joint from a dislocation or fracture can make it difficult to raise or rotate the arm.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint, can cause pain and limit movement.
• Tendonitis – Inflammation of the shoulder tendons can impair movement and cause pain during shoulder rotation or elevation.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will typically perform:

• Physical Examination – Checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and the range of motion in the shoulder joint.
• Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to identify structural damage, arthritis, or rotator cuff tears.
• Neurological Tests – To assess nerve function and identify any nerve-related causes of shoulder dysfunction.

Treatment Options

If you’re unable to rotate or raise your arm, consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore effective treatment options. Treatment depends on the cause of the restricted arm movement:

• Physical Therapy – Targeted exercises to increase shoulder mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility.
• Medications – Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections – To reduce inflammation and improve the range of motion in cases of arthritis or tendinitis.
• Surgical Options – Surgery, such as rotator cuff repair or shoulder arthroscopy, may be required for severe injuries or impingement syndromes.