Everyone gets pain or soreness in their shoulders every once in a while, whether after a particularly targeted workout or simply from lifting something heavier than normal. However, pain that shoots down the arm suddenly causes many people to worry about whether something serious is wrong, and what kind of condition or injury they may have.
In most cases, sudden pain in the shoulder or arm can be diagnosed and treated with physical therapy, which has holistic solutions for your shoulder health at any age.
What does your shoulder pain feel like?
Shooting pain often manifests differently than the more common dull or aching pain people have in the shoulder, so being able to describe your experience in detail can help identify the specific issue. Some common symptoms associated with shooting shoulder pain include:
- Pain from shoulder to elbow – or shoulder to forearm: The pain may feel sharp and sudden, making it hard to perform simple tasks like lifting or extending the arm.
- Muscle weakness: Some people experience a noticeable loss of strength in the affected arm or shoulder, which may feel too weak to carry weight or even grip objects.
- Shoulder weakness, instability, or hypermobility: The shoulder joint may feel unstable, as if it could “slip” out of the socket, or feel “free” to move beyond normal ranges of motion.
Causes of shoulder and arm pain
There are several underlying causes of sharp, shooting shoulder pain. Some of the most common culprits behind shoulder and arm pain include:
- Impingement
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Labrum tears/injuries
- Muscle strains
- Pinched nerves
These conditions are often caused by sudden movements or injuries. Shoulder pain caused by repetitive motion over time is referred to as swimmer’s shoulder.
Swimmer’s shoulder and shooting pain
This condition, which affects those who engage in repetitive overhead arm movements (like swimmers, as the name suggests), stems from overuse of the shoulder joint. It leads to inflammation in the rotator cuff or surrounding tendons, which can create sharp pain that travels down the arm.
Swimmer’s shoulder isn’t exclusive to athletes. Anyone who performs repetitive overhead motions—whether during work, exercise, or even certain hobbies—can develop this condition.
Does swimmer’s shoulder go away on its own?
Swimmer’s shoulder may improve with rest and reduced activity, but fully addressing the issue often requires targeted treatment to prevent a recurrence. Even if the pain subsides, returning to normal routines without proper care can worsen the problem over time.
Physical therapy can help by providing an accurate diagnosis, correcting shoulder mechanics, strengthening weak muscles, and reducing inflammation to support long-term shoulder health.
Treatments for shooting pain in the shoulder
Many people opt for at-home care for shoulder pain before seeing a medical professional. A few common practices you can try include:
- Rest and avoid activities that trigger the pain
- Apply ice or heat for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and soothe the shoulder
- Perform gentle stretches to maintain flexibility without aggravating the injury
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers can help control discomfort and inflammation
While trying to heal shoulder pain by yourself is certainly an option, especially if the pain isn’t debilitating, it doesn’t always work. And even if pain relievers help, medication isn’t something you can rely on day in and day out for years to come. That’s where our physical therapists come in.
Physical therapy treatments for shoulder pain
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for managing and eliminating shooting pain. A licensed physical therapist can create a personalized plan to:
- Correct poor posture or shoulder mechanics that may be contributing to pain
- Strengthen weak shoulder and arm muscles for increased stability and support
- Improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder to prevent stiffness
- Use manual therapy or massage techniques to address pain and inflammation
Unlike generalized health advice you’ll find online, meeting with one of our Pittsburgh physical therapists gives you a chance to focus on your unique condition. A proper diagnosis ensures targeted treatment that not only relieves pain now but also reduces your risk for future issues.
Personalized shoulder pain care in Pittsburgh
Living with shooting pain in your shoulder and arm won’t last forever when you take the step to get it looked at by a professional. At Panther Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals like you regain mobility, restore strength, and find lasting relief.
Request an appointment online with one of our physical therapists today or call the nearest Panther clinic to you, and we’ll get you in for an evaluation as soon as possible so you can start feeling better.