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Painful Arc Self-Check
Also known as painful arc, arc of pain.
Checks: Where in the range of lifting the arm out to the side the shoulder is irritable
What this checks
This checks whether there is a particular band of movement, part way up as you lift your arm out to the side, that is painful while the range above and below it is comfortable. That pattern is typical of a pinched or irritated tendon.
Do not do this test if
you have had a recent significant shoulder injury, you cannot lift the arm at all, the shoulder is very painful at rest or at night, you have pins and needles or weakness spreading down the arm, or you feel unwell with the pain. See a doctor first if any of those apply.
How to do it
Step 1
Stand with both arms by your sides
- Stand tall with your thumbs pointing forwards.
- Relax your shoulders down.
Step 2
Slowly raise the sore arm out to the side
- Lift the arm sideways towards overhead at a slow, steady pace.
- Keep the thumb pointing up and the elbow straight.
Step 3
Note the range where it hurts
- Pain that appears around shoulder height and mid-range, then eases as you lift higher, is the pattern to look for.
- Lower slowly and see if the same band hurts on the way down.
Step 4
Compare with the other arm
- Repeat the same slow lift with the other arm.
- Note whether one side has a painful band that the other does not.
What your result means
Likely normal
A negative result usually looks like this.
- The arm lifts all the way up with no particular painful band.
- Any ache is mild and even through the whole movement.
- Both arms feel similar.
Possible problem
A positive result usually looks like this.
- Pain that comes on around shoulder height and mid-range, then eases higher up.
- The same band hurts on the way back down.
- The other arm has no painful band.
Tips for a clearer result
Small things that make the test easier to read.
- Move slowly - rushing can hide the painful band.
- Stand side-on to a mirror so you can see the height where it hurts.
- Stop if the pain is sharp or the arm feels like it will give way.
How to read this
A painful band in mid-range may point towards an irritated rotator cuff tendon or pinching in the shoulder, but it cannot confirm it - other problems cause similar pain, and only a hands-on assessment can tell you for sure.
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. It cannot rule a problem in or out - a physiotherapist can. If your symptoms are severe, spreading, or you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Points towards
If your result points to a problem, these condition guides are a good place to start reading.
Reproduced your pain?
A positive result is worth getting looked at. Book an online assessment with an HCPC-registered physiotherapist, wherever you are in the UK.
Book an online assessmentNot sure what your result means?
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