Do you ever notice a popping or clicking sound in your shoulder when you move your arm? While it can be alarming, shoulder popping is fairly common and often harmless. However, if it’s accompanied by pain or discomfort, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
Lighthouse Physical Therapy in Spokane can give you some helpful advice on how to fix shoulder popping and how to identify when you should seek professional help.
There are several reasons why your shoulder might be making popping or clicking sounds:
In many cases, shoulder popping is simply due to gas bubbles forming and bursting in the joint fluid. This is similar to cracking your knuckles and is typically harmless if it’s not painful.
Sometimes, tendons in the shoulder can snap over bones or muscles when you move your arm, creating a clicking or popping noise. This may be normal, but if it’s frequent or causes discomfort, it could be due to inflammation or tightness in the tendons.
A labral tear occurs when the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint is damaged. This can cause the joint to feel unstable and may result in popping or clicking, especially during certain motions.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder stable. If one of these tendons becomes inflamed or torn, it can lead to shoulder popping, along with pain and weakness.
If your shoulder is popping or clicking without pain, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, if you experience discomfort or weakness, there are several ways to address the issue:
Strengthening the muscles around your shoulder can help stabilize the joint and reduce abnormal movement. Gentle stretching can also improve flexibility and prevent tendons from snapping over bones.
Shoulder mobility exercises can help loosen tight muscles and improve shoulder function, which may reduce popping or clicking. Check some of them out here:
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Poor posture, particularly rounded shoulders or forward head posture, can contribute to shoulder clicking by altering the mechanics of your shoulder joint. Focusing on proper posture throughout the day can ease pressure on the shoulder and prevent irritation.
If tendon tightness or joint misalignment is contributing to the clicking, manual therapy from a physical therapist can help. Techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release can alleviate tension and improve range of motion.
Avoiding activities that aggravate the popping or clicking can give your shoulder time to heal. If you engage in sports or activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, consider modifying your techniques or taking breaks to prevent further irritation.
While many cases of shoulder popping are harmless, you should seek professional help if:
A physical therapist can evaluate your shoulder to identify the cause of the issue and design a personalized treatment plan to address the problem. Our team specializes in treating shoulder conditions like rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and tendonitis.
>> Learn more about our shoulder pain treatments and how we can help.
At our clinic, we offer a variety of treatments to help you resolve shoulder pain, popping, and instability. Our approach often includes:
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or have chronic shoulder discomfort, our team can help you recover and regain full function.
Shoulder popping or clicking can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can restore comfort and prevent further issues. If your shoulder symptoms persist, contact our team at Lighthouse Physical Therapy in Spokane for a thorough evaluation and customized treatment.
Call us today at (509) 928-3433 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment and start feeling better.
Dr. Ryan Zumwalt is the owner of Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine and a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. A former Division I wrestler and Seattle Mariners medical team member, he is passionate about helping patients recover and return to peak performance.
