Here's a possibility: bad electrolytic capacitor in
the receiver power supply (inside the ceiling mounted
opener motor housing). What *may* be happening: the
direction relay (up or down) in the receiver is
"chattering" (not fully transferring, allowing the
contacts to bounce far more than usual) when activated
by the remote due to pulsing voltage from the supply.
The same pulsing voltage, when applied to the relay by
the wall switch is applied for a longer time, allowing
the relay to fully transfer.
You have to know what you're doing to safely diagnose
and repair this. Openers can bite your fingers HARD,
and testing live (120VAC) circuits while on a ladder
presents it's own possible hazards. If you have the
skill, you can do it safely.
Good luck.
Ed