Having chronic shoulder and elbow pain can be a frustrating experience that disrupts daily life, limiting your ability to perform the simplest tasks. Especially when your pain isn’t coming from a specific joint, but radiating through your entire upper arm, it can also be hard to describe what’s wrong to people who ask. And pain throughout the upper arm may not respond to at-home treatments, which can be discouraging and anxiety-producing.
For all these reasons, people who have this kind of pain can often benefit from targeted, one-on-one treatment with an expert. If you’ve been experiencing this kind of shoulder and arm pain, there’s hope and relief within reach.
Symptoms of shoulder to elbow pain
Shoulder-to-elbow pain presents differently from person to person, depending on the underlying cause. Recognizing the variations in symptoms and what they mean can help you better identify a potential source of your discomfort and be better able to communicate what you’re feeling.
- Dull ache or stiffness: A persistent, throbbing sensation or tightness in the upper arm, often felt without movement. This may seem tolerable initially but can worsen over time, especially with repetitive use of the arm.
- Sharp pain with certain movements: Intense pain triggered by actions like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or twisting your arm. This could indicate strain or soft-tissue irritation.
- Swelling or tenderness: Visible swelling may accompany pain, or the area between your shoulder and elbow could feel tender when touched.
- Weakness in the arm: You may notice difficulty in performing tasks that require lifting or holding.
- Limited range of motion: Pain may restrict how far you can comfortably move your arm, impacting activities such as dressing or reaching behind you.
When symptoms persist for weeks or worsen with time, it’s probably time to consult a specialist to explore the root cause and appropriate treatment options.
Possible causes of pain between shoulder and elbow
A variety of musculoskeletal issues or injuries can cause pain that radiates from the shoulder to the elbow. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
Subacromial bursitis
Subacromial bursitis occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near the joint) becomes inflamed, usually due to overuse or strain. This can lead to pain when raising the arm or lying on the affected side. Treatment for bursitis typically involves reducing the inflammation and resting the affected joint.
Biceps tendinitis
This condition involves inflammation of the bicep tendon, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow. Often triggered by repetitive overhead activities, bicipital tendinitis can cause sharp, localized pain that worsens with certain movements or pressure on the area.
Rotator cuff tendinitis
The rotator cuff stabilizes your shoulder joint, but inflammation or injury to its tendons can radiate down the arm. Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis often include pain during overhead movements or while lifting even light objects.
Other radiating pain conditions
Other sources of radiating pain can include pinched nerves in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or conditions like frozen shoulder. These may “refer” pain to the arm from other areas, creating discomfort that travels through the shoulder-elbow area.
Every person’s pain is unique, so pinpointing the source of discomfort typically requires proper evaluation by healthcare professionals. Getting an accurate diagnosis lays the foundation for effective treatment.
Ways we can treat arm pain from shoulder to elbow
Treating shoulder-to-elbow pain doesn’t always involve the stereotypical physical therapy motions and stretches that you might imagine. Modern physical therapy offers a diverse range of techniques aimed at providing relief, improving mobility, and preventing future discomfort.
Here are just a few evidence-based treatments for arm pain we offer at Peak Physical Therapy:
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) – Using specialized tools, IASTM techniques help break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and promote healing in muscles and tendons.
- Ergonomic adjustments – For individuals whose pain stems from workplace environments, our therapists assess your posture and workspace setup. Adjusting your workstation or improving posture can reduce strain that contributes to discomfort.
- Sports-specific therapy – If sports or physical activity triggered your pain, we pair you with a specialist in your discipline to help you recover while ensuring a safe return to your preferred activities.
- Kinesiology taping – By applying elastic therapeutic tape to the shoulder or elbow or both, we reduce pain and inflammation, enhance circulation, and support muscle function—all without restricting your range of motion.
- Electrical Stimulation – This therapy delivers mild electrical currents to the affected area, stimulating nerve and muscle function while relieving pain and promoting healing.
Get your personalized treatment plan today
Shoulder-to-elbow pain can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to take over your whole lifestyle. With expert care, advanced techniques, and personalized treatment plans, our physical therapists throughout North Carolina can help alleviate your pain and restore your mobility. Find a clinic near you or request an appointment online to get started on the path to healing today.
Our Locations
FAQ
Conditions Library