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Patient Questions  /  Upper arm pain near the shoulder

Shoulder, Elbow & Hand

Why Does My Upper Arm Hurt Near My Shoulder?

Pain on the outside of the upper arm, partway between the shoulder and elbow, very often comes from the shoulder itself. Irritated rotator cuff tendons or bursa usually send pain to that spot. It's often worse when lifting your arm, reaching behind you or lying on that side. A pinched nerve in the neck can also cause arm pain, usually with tingling.

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Why shoulder pain shows up in the arm

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the ball of the shoulder in its socket. When those tendons or the bursa next to them are irritated, the pain is often felt lower down, in the outer upper arm, rather than in the shoulder joint. That's why many people rub their arm when the problem is really in the shoulder.

Other possible causes

  • Biceps tendon irritation, felt at the front of the shoulder and upper arm, often with lifting.
  • A pinched nerve in the neck, which often comes with neck pain and pain, tingling or numbness that goes below the elbow.
  • A muscle strain after a new activity, like painting a ceiling or a new workout.
  • Frozen shoulder, where the shoulder becomes painful and steadily stiffer.

What usually helps

Keep using the arm for gentle daily tasks within comfort, and cut back on repeated overhead work for a while. At night, a pillow under or in front of your arm may help. Exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles are a main part of treatment for most rotator cuff pain.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care promptly if you have:

  • Arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating: call 911
  • Sudden weakness so you can't lift your arm, especially after a fall or a pop
  • A pop at the elbow or shoulder followed by a bulge in the upper arm
  • A hot, red, swollen shoulder, or pain with fever
  • Swelling of the whole arm or hand
  • Numbness or weakness in the arm or hand

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can test your shoulder and neck to find where the arm pain is coming from, then give you a plan of exercise and hands-on care to reduce pain and restore strength and movement. If you need a doctor or imaging, they will tell you.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Shoulder impingement and bursitis →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026