Our upper arms are composed of major muscles and bones, along with complex soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons. The shoulder is also one of the most mobile joints in the body. As a result, many people experience some degree of upper arm or shoulder pain at some point in their lives.
This pain may be caused by an acute injury or a chronic condition and can affect mobility and day-to-day function. In some cases, discomfort may radiate to other areas, such as down to the fingers or back. Several factors associated with upper arm pain warrant seeking professional assistance. Once the issue is identified, a medical or physical therapy treatment plan can be developed.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of shoulder-to-elbow pain in the right arm and when to seek physiotherapy support.
Reasons For Right Shoulder Pain
Various issues can result in mild to severe, constant, transient, regular, or infrequent pain and reduced mobility in the right upper arm region. In some cases, pain is only noticeable during activities such as lifting, reaching, or weight bearing. In others, upper arm pain may persist even at rest.
Some of the most common causes of upper arm and shoulder pain include:
Rotator Cuff Issues
The group of tendons and muscles that attach your upper arm to your shoulder joint and keep it in place is known as the rotator cuff. These soft tissues can experience a variety of problems that lead to shoulder and upper arm pain. These can include:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the joint. When irritated, it can cause pain and restrict movement.
- Tendinitis: Irritation or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, often linked to overuse or repetitive movements.
- Calcific tendinitis: Calcium deposits can form in the rotator cuff, leading to inflammation and reduced shoulder mobility.
- Rotator cuff tears: Rotator cuff tendons may tear partially or completely due to injury or gradual degeneration.
- Impingement: The acromion (part of the shoulder blade) can rub against soft tissues, causing irritation and pain during movement.
Broken Bones
There are several bones in the upper arm and shoulder region, and due to the stress and workload the area deals with, breaks can occur. Symptoms may include pain, bruising, swelling, visible deformity, or reduced range of motion.
Bones that may contribute to right arm pain between the shoulder and elbow include:
- Collarbone (clavicle): Connects the shoulder to the sternum and may break during falls or impact injuries.
- Humerus: A break in the upper arm bone often occurs near the shoulder or mid-shaft and is usually caused by trauma.
- Shoulder blade (scapula): Less commonly fractured, but may occur in high-impact incidents such as car accidents.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint becomes stiff, inflamed, and difficult to move. It can significantly limit shoulder and upper arm mobility and may contribute to ongoing shoulder-to-elbow pain. This condition can happen because of an injury or a health condition such as cancer, thyroid issues, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease.
Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation happens when the humerus (upper arm bone) moves out of the shoulder socket. This can result in immediate pain, instability, and reduced upper-arm mobility. Dislocations are typically caused by sports injuries or trauma, but may also occur more easily in individuals with weakened or overstretched supporting tissues.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, leading to ongoing upper arm pain and stiffness. Different types of arthritis may contribute to right arm pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear over time, leading to joint degeneration.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and pain.
Sprains
The connective tissues between the shoulder bones, known as ligaments, can tear or be overstretched. This is referred to as a shoulder sprain and can result in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the upper arm and shoulder. An example of this is ligament damage that separates the top of the shoulder from the collarbone.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Upper Arm and Shoulder Pain
If you are experiencing upper-arm or shoulder-to-elbow pain, a physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and identify the underlying cause.
At Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists provide thorough assessments and personalised treatment plans designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery.
Treatment may include:
- Hands-on therapy to improve joint and soft tissue function
- Targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder and upper arm
- Advice on posture, movement, and activity modification
- Rehabilitation programs to restore function and prevent recurrence
If your symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or limiting your daily activities, early treatment can make a significant difference.
Please call our friendly team to make an appointment with one of our experienced physios.
