What causes shoulder popping
Hearing or feeling a popping sensation in your shoulder when rolling it forward or backward is common. In many cases, it’s caused by:
- Gas bubbles within the joint naturally popping, similar to cracking your knuckles.
- Tendons or muscles shifting as you move, which can create a clicking or popping sound or feeling.
If the popping is not accompanied by pain, swelling, numbness, tingling or weakness, it’s usually not a concern.
When to seek help for shoulder issues
If your shoulder popping is painful or affects your strength and mobility, it may indicate an injury such as:
- Labral tears – Damage to the cartilage rim around the shoulder joint, often causing a deep ache or painful catching sensation.
- Rotator cuff injuries – Strains or tears in the muscles/tendons that stabilize the shoulder, leading to weakness or difficulty lifting your arm.
- Shoulder subluxation or dislocation – A partial or full shift of the joint out of place, often due to ligament or labral damage.
How physical therapy can help diagnose and treat shoulder popping
A physical therapist can assess your shoulder and provide targeted exercises to:
- Improve shoulder stability and strength
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Prevent further injury
If you already have a physical therapist, discussing your symptoms with them is a great next step. If not, seeking an evaluation can help you determine the best course of action for your shoulder health. Use our location finder to find a Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy clinic near you.
More Shoulder Resources to Explore
Jason’s Winning Play: Beating Shoulder Pain with PT
Jason, a dedicated father and volunteer softball coach, found himself sidelined by nagging shoulder pain. Determined to regain his mobility and return to coaching his daughter’s team, he turned to physical therapy for answers. Through targeted treatments and personalized care, Jason discovered the transformative power of PT on his path to wellness.
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Insights from a Physical Therapist
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues people face. While minor shoulder discomfort may resolve with rest and self-care, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
Prone T’s: Take Your Mid-Back & Shoulder Strength to a New Level
This one is called Prone T’s, and it will help to strengthen the muscles of your mid-back — typically one of the weakest muscle groups for many people. This exercise is excellent for your scapula stabilizer muscles and your rotator cuff muscles.
Start your physical therapy journey today.
As physical therapists, we know the importance of movement for overall health and well-being. From injury recovery to achieving optimal performance, our passion is to help every patient reach their goals and live an active, pain-free life. Get started with PT today!
