Shoulder
Trapezius, deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus (rotator cuff)
Related muscles
- Trapezius (upper fibers)：Tight neck and shoulders, shrugged posture, headache radiating to the temple
- Infraspinatus：Deep pain behind the shoulder, radiating along the outer arm, worse when lying on that side
- Deltoid：Outer shoulder ache, weakness when lifting the arm
Related acupoints
Massage and stretching
Massage method：Pinch and lift the muscle at GB21 for 30 seconds. Roll a tennis ball slowly between the wall and the back at SI11 for 1–2 minutes.
Relief stretches：Stretch the arm across the chest, 20–30 seconds per side. Stretch the chest muscles in a doorway.
Visceral referred-pain notes
Left shoulder: heart (ischemia) and spleen (left shoulder tip after injury). Right shoulder: liver and gallbladder, diaphragm and lungs.
When to see a doctor：Severe pain when lifting the arm, or night pain that wakes you and keeps getting worse: get it evaluated.
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming、Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang、Triple Energizer Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang
Frequently asked questions
What are common causes of shoulder ache?
Prolonged sitting with the head forward, carrying weight on one side, or poor posture keeps the upper trapezius and rotator cuff muscles tight.
Does pain when lifting the arm mean tight shoulders?
It can also be a rotator cuff or joint problem. If lifting the arm causes severe pain, or night pain keeps getting worse, get it evaluated.