Shoulder pain after lifting something heavy, throwing, or a knock to the arm might be due to a deltoid muscle injury. While not as common as other shoulder issues like rotator cuff injuries, deltoid strains or tears can still happen—especially in active people or athletes.
The deltoid is the big, triangle-shaped muscle on the outside of your shoulder. It helps lift your arm and keep your shoulder stable. It has three parts—front, middle, and back—and the front part is usually the one that gets injured. This can happen during sudden or strong movements, especially when the muscle is working hard while lengthening (like lowering a weight).
Common signs of a deltoid injury include pain in the shoulder, especially at the front, swelling or bruising, and weakness when lifting your arm forward or to the side
Because shoulder pain can come from many different causes, it’s important to get a proper assessment. Your OHL physiotherapist will check your shoulder carefully and may use imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) if needed to confirm what’s going on.
Most deltoid injuries can be treated without surgery. Early care focuses on reducing pain and swelling, and gently getting the shoulder moving again. As things improve, we’ll guide you through a personalised rehab plan to rebuild strength and get you back to your usual activities.
We’ll make sure your exercises are safe, effective, and suited to your level—whether you’re just starting out or returning to sport. Hands-on treatments like massage or dry needling might help with short-term relief, but the most important part of recovery is active rehab that helps your shoulder heal and stay strong.
If you’ve had shoulder pain after a workout or sport, don’t wait—early treatment makes a big difference. Call us at 9431 5955 or book online via the Client Portal to start your recovery with a plan that’s tailored just for you.
