# Stiffness when I lift my arm **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 31, 2012, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712 "2012-05-31T22:28:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sinisterniik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/51bf81/32.png) [@Sinisterniik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinisterniik)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712/1 "2012-05-31T22:28:36Z")
I’ve been getting over a back injury that has more or less healed. Part of my rehabilitation has included working out my arm, back, and core muscles. None of the exercises have been overly strenuous (lifting 10 lb weights, push ups, leg lifts, etc.), and I stretch before and after working out. While my back has gotten much better, I’m getting soreness and stiffness in my upper body. On some days I don’t have my full range of motion. In particular, it’s difficult for me to A) lift my arms out from my side and straight up and B) stretching my arms out and back (stretching out my sides and just below my shoulder). I’m not good with anatomy, but based on a Google images search I think it’s one or more of these muscles groups that are bothering me: Rotator cuff (below my shoulder, definitely NOT above it), infraspinatus, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, and/or my pectoral muscles. Any thoughts? I’m too young to be having range of motion issues. Should I be stretching differently? Lifting differently? Has anyone else had the same problem? ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712/2 "2012-05-31T23:41:02Z")
Since the answers will probably be opinions, let’s move this from IMHO to GQ. **samclem** , moderator ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2012, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712/3 "2012-06-01T00:15:04Z")
Look up bursitis / frozen shoulder. ---
**Author:** ![Sinisterniik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/51bf81/32.png) [@Sinisterniik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinisterniik)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2012, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712/4 "2012-06-01T04:12:14Z")
I don’t think so… From Wikipedia: > [@](#): > > The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. The stiff muscles feel closer to my skin than my bones. Also: > [@](#): > > Elbows and knees are the most commonly affected. So that makes it more unlikely. Could it just be excessive inflammation? ---
**Author:** ![Sinisterniik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/51bf81/32.png) [@Sinisterniik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinisterniik)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2012, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stiffness-when-i-lift-my-arm/623712/5 "2012-06-01T04:19:23Z")
> [@](#): > > frozen shoulder Also not this… Didn’t realize it was separate from bursitis. I don’t have the sharp shooting pain or any of the risk factors. From [AAOS.org](http://AAOS.org): > [@](#): > > Frozen shoulder occurs in about 2% of the general population. It most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men. I’m a 26 year old guy… Or a 14 year old girl as far as [Bieberfever.com](http://Bieberfever.com) is concerned… Also, the more I focus on where the soreness is, I realize it’s almost definitely not in my arm or shoulder, but actually in my chest. Perhaps my pectorals?