Help! I Can’t Lift My Arm Without Pain

Don’t let shoulder pain keep you on the sidelines — with expert diagnosis and treatment, you can recover and get back in the game. Don’t put off a professional evaluation. Pushing through can keep you out of commission longer.

Even with the best training, technique, and care, injuries can strike athletes. Playing certain sports, such as baseball, softball, and swimming, boosts the risk of shoulder injuries, whether due to overuse or sudden trauma.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain when you raise your arm, it’s wise to see an orthopedic expert who can get to the bottom of things and provide an appropriate solution to get you back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.

The skilled orthopedic providers at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center have you covered from head to toe. Our shoulder, hip, and knee expert, Thomas C. Kim, MD, specializes in arthroscopic diagnosis and surgical repair of sports-related shoulder injuries in adults and children.

Common sports-related shoulder injuries

Athletes of all ages are vulnerable to sports-related injuries that limit shoulder movement. Pain when lifting the arm tends to signal an underlying issue, such as a rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement, or a labral tear.

The repetitive overhead motions involved in many sports can strain or damage tendons, ligaments, and other structures in the shoulder. Left untreated, these injuries may lead to chronic pain or restricted movement, so don’t delay in getting your shoulder assessed.

Diagnosing shoulder pain related to sports

Dr. Kim uses arthroscopy to evaluate sports-related shoulder injuries. He inserts a small camera through a tiny incision to view the shoulder joint in real time.

Arthroscopic shoulder repair to get you back in the game

Dr. Kim uses state-of-the-art arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair shoulder injuries. The goal is to help you regain strength and mobility with less downtime than open surgery.

This minimally invasive approach means less pain, faster healing, and a quicker return to your sport. Additionally, because there’s less tissue damage, most athletes have a smoother recovery and overall healing than open surgery.

Recovering from arthroscopic shoulder repair

In many cases, with the right approach, arthroscopic shoulder repair leads to a successful return to your sport. However, recovery time and process depend on the type and severity of your shoulder injury.

Dr. Kim recommends a phased approach, starting with rest and gentle motion exercises to prevent stiffness and encourage healing. Physical therapy is a key component to a full recovery. Your physical therapist crafts a progressive recovery plan focusing on strengthening the shoulder, restoring range of motion, and gradually rebuilding shoulder joint stability.

Returning to sport

Return to sports gradually — your shoulder needs time to regain full strength and flexibility.

Dr. Kim assesses your progress and guides your return based on your specific sport and activity level. Returning to sport too soon increases your risk of re-injury, so it’s best to follow your recovery plan without rushing.

Most athletes need several months of recovery and strengthening before returning to high-impact or overhead activities. However, with a commitment to your recovery program, you can regain function and return to your sport with a stable shoulder.

Expert shoulder diagnosis and treatment

For expert diagnosis and care, contact us at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center by calling 702-878-0393 or requesting an appointment through our website. Our clinics are located in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada.