Chinese New Year preparation means one big thing:
Spring cleaning.
Curtains down.
Lanterns up.
Fans wiped.
Cabinets cleared.
After a few hours, many people notice:
👉 Shoulder pain when lifting the arm
👉 Difficulty reaching overhead
👉 Sharp pain when hanging decorations
👉 Night pain when lying on one side
It’s not just “muscle soreness.”
Repeated overhead activity can irritate your shoulder joint.
Let’s understand why. 👇
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body.
But mobility comes with less stability.
When you repeatedly:
Reach above head level
Lift objects overhead
Hold arms up for long periods
Clean in awkward positions
The small stabilising muscles (rotator cuff) become fatigued.
📌 Fatigue reduces joint control — increasing irritation.
During repetitive overhead activity:
1️⃣ The space inside the shoulder narrows
2️⃣ Tendons rub against surrounding structures
3️⃣ Inflammation develops
4️⃣ Pain appears when lifting the arm
This is commonly known as shoulder impingement.
⚠️ Pain between 60–120° when lifting the arm
⚠️ Weakness when carrying light objects
⚠️ Clicking sensation
⚠️ Pain when reaching behind the back
⚠️ Night pain
If untreated, it may progress into:
Rotator cuff tendinitis
Partial tendon tears
Frozen shoulder (in some cases)
After long cleaning sessions:
✔️ Muscles are fatigued
✔️ Micro-inflammation builds
✔️ Blood flow reduces during rest
The next morning, stiffness and pain increase.
Avoid overusing your dominant arm.
Bring items down instead of reaching up repeatedly.
Avoid overstretching from awkward angles.
Shoulder muscles fatigue faster than you realise.
This improves shoulder positioning.
Especially if you’ve been inactive.
If pain continues after CNY, physiotherapy can:
✔️ Reduce inflammation
✔️ Restore shoulder mobility
✔️ Strengthen rotator cuff muscles
✔️ Improve scapular control
✔️ Correct overhead mechanics
Shoulder pain often reflects weakness and poor control — not just overuse.
1. Is shoulder pain after cleaning normal?
Mild soreness is common. Sharp pain is not.
2. Why does it hurt when I lift my arm sideways?
That movement narrows the shoulder joint space.
3. Should I stop using my arm completely?
No — but modify activity and avoid painful ranges.
4. Will it go away on its own?
Sometimes. Persistent pain needs assessment.
5. Can this lead to frozen shoulder?
In some individuals, especially above 40, yes.
6. Is ice or heat better?
Ice helps in early inflammation. Heat helps stiffness later.
7. When should I see a physiotherapist?
If pain lasts more than a few days or affects sleep.
Spring cleaning prepares your home for prosperity.
But your shoulders weren’t designed for marathon overhead work.
With proper pacing, technique, and strengthening, you can prepare your home without injuring yourself.
Because this CNY…
Hanging lanterns should bring joy — not shoulder pain.
🏮 Move well. Stay strong. Celebrate pain-free.
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