02/07/2026
Dr.Sabina yeasmin
Physiospecialist
💥 THE TENDON THAT GETS PINCHED WHEN YOU LIFT YOUR ARM
You reach for something above your head...
Suddenly, you feel pain.
Many people think the shoulder is weak.
But sometimes...
the problem is that one tendon is running through one of the narrowest spaces in the shoulder.
🦴 THE ANATOMY
The **Supraspinatus Tendon** is one of the four rotator cuff tendons.
It passes beneath a bony arch called the **Acromion** before attaching to the top of the humerus.
Between the tendon and the acromion is a small passage called the **Subacromial Space**.
Every overhead movement depends on this tendon gliding smoothly through that space.
⚙️ THE BIOMECHANICS
When you raise your arm:
✅ the humerus moves upward
✅ the scapula rotates upward
✅ the supraspinatus tendon glides beneath the acromion
If the available space becomes reduced...
the tendon may experience increased compression during overhead movements.
Possible symptoms include:
• pain when reaching overhead
• discomfort while putting on a shirt
• pain reaching into a cabinet
• shoulder pain at night
⚠️ WHEN TO PAY ATTENTION
Pain that persists, worsens over time, or is associated with significant weakness or inability to lift the arm should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
💡 THE TAKEAWAY
Not every painful shoulder is caused by a weak muscle.
Sometimes a healthy tendon simply doesn't have enough room to move freely.