Does the pain at the shoulder joint when lifting the arm heal on its own?

Generally, cases of pain caused by physiological factors such as overexertion and mild conditions may heal on their own. However, when the pain is caused by pathological factors like shoulder periarthritis or rotator cuff injury, or if the condition is severe, spontaneous recovery is usually unlikely. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When pain occurs at the shoulder joint during arm elevation due to physiological factors such as excessive fatigue or strenuous exercise, if the condition is mild, patients can alleviate symptoms and achieve self-healing through rest, reduced activity, and local heat application. Overexertion or vigorous exercise may cause fatigue or strain to the shoulder muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, resulting in pain. With adequate rest and appropriate treatment, these soft tissues can gradually recover, and the pain will subsequently subside.

If the pain is caused by pathological factors such as shoulder periarthritis or rotator cuff injury, or if the condition is severe—for example, a significant rotator cuff tear—spontaneous healing is typically not possible. Pain caused by these pathological factors is often accompanied by inflammation, damage, or degeneration of the shoulder's soft tissues and requires professional medical intervention for effective symptom relief and recovery promotion.

Therefore, when experiencing pain at the shoulder joint during arm elevation, patients should seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. It is also recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, improve dietary habits, adjust overall physical condition, and promote general health.