My Shoulder Makes Noise
A clicking or popping sound in the shoulder does not always mean something is wrong. But if the sound comes with pain or a catching sensation, it should be examined.
Types of Shoulder Noise
Harmless Sounds
- An occasional pain-free “pop”
- A sound that happens during stretching
- The same sound that has been there for a long time
These are normal sounds caused by gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid or a tendon gliding over bone.
Sounds That Need Examination
- The sound comes with pain
- There is a catching sensation
- The sound is getting louder or more frequent
- It comes with a feeling of weakness
This may point to tendon damage, labral injury, impingement syndrome, and similar conditions.
Problems That Can Come With the Sound
- Impingement syndrome. Bone and tendon collide when you raise the arm, causing both sound and pain.
- Labral injury. Damage to the inner cartilage of the shoulder causes a catching sensation and sound.
- Rotator cuff problems. A worn or unstable tendon produces sound.
The accompanying symptoms matter more than the sound itself
Sound alone is usually nothing to worry about, but if there is pain, weakness, or instability, we recommend an examination.
With Shoulder Trouble, an Accurate Diagnosis Comes First
We use a functional assessment to find the cause of the sound, and resolve it with circulation therapy when needed.
Related Questions
Worried About Shoulder Noise?
Get an accurate examination to find the cause, and the right treatment if you need it.
Book OnlineReferences
- McCaughan D et al. Shoulder clicking, popping and clunking — clinical significance and management. Shoulder Elbow. 2020;12(1):63-70.
- Hegedus EJ et al. Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. Br J Sports Med. 2008;42(2):80-92.
- Levy O et al. Intra-articular pathology associated with essential acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated surgically. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2003;12(3):268-272.