Do Exercise & Stretching Help Upper Arm Pain?

Assessing Your Pain

Some of the most common reasons for upper-arm pain include sprains or strains, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis or fibromyalgia. If you have pain and you don’t know the cause, you better go see a doctor. Once you and your doctor have determined the cause of your pain, your doctor will likely suggest a period of rest with icing or heat, depending on the issue. After you’ve gotten plenty of rest and once you've received your doctor’s approval, a gentle exercise and stretching program could help you recover from your upper-arm pain.

Gentle Movement

Gently moving your arms can help build range of motion in your joints, and help you warm up to prepare for strengthening and stretching. For a fun way to bring movement to your arms, come to a standing position and bend from the hips. Allow one arm to dangle toward the ground. Begin to move your hips and torso in a circle. From your body’s movement, your arm will begin to sway in a circle. Do not move your arm; allow the movement to occur. After a moment, move your body the other direction. Repeat on the other side. As you get stronger, you can add a small hand weight to this exercise.

Gentle Strengthening

Pushups can give you buff triceps and pectoral muscles, and help strengthen the muscles that support your shoulders. However, until the pain in your upper arm is gone, try wall pushups instead. Stand facing a wall. Extend your arms in front of you. Place your palms on the wall at shoulder height and shoulder distance apart. Walk your feet away from the wall so you're leaning on your hands. Draw your shoulder blades together and begin to bend your elbows. Slowly lower your chest toward the wall. Press yourself back to a starting position. Repeat this movement 10 to 15 times.

Gentle Stretching

Stretching can help build flexibility in your muscles and supple joints. For a good, old-fashioned stretch, stand or sit in an upright position. Lift your right arm at shoulder height and bring it across your body to your left. Face your palm toward the wall behind you. Place your left hand on your right upper arm to gently draw your right arm closer to your body. Hold for three to five breaths and then repeat on the other side. Next, lift your right arm straight up, bend your elbow and reach your right hand down your back. Use your left hand to gently press down on your right elbow. Hold for three to five breaths and repeat on the other side.