Should You Be Worried About Shoulder Clicking? What That Pop Really Means
- Nashville PT
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
That subtle (or not‑so‑subtle) click or pop in your shoulder can be unsettling—especially if there’s pain or discomfort attached. You might wonder if it’s something serious like tendon tears, joint damage, or rotator cuff issues. Good news: most shoulder clicking is more mysterious than dangerous, and physical therapy is a safe, effective way to figure out what’s going on—and keep you on track without unnecessary tests or worry.
At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we help active adults understand what their body is trying to tell them, treat the cause of clicking or pain—and guide them back to the activities they love. Here’s how we approach clicking shoulders:
What Causes Shoulder Clicking?
Shoulder “clicking” can come from several sources, including:
Tendons or ligaments snapping over bone—often during rotation or arm lifts
Glenoid labrum or cartilage irritations that shift slightly with movement
Weakness or tightness in rotator cuff or scapular muscles that alter joint tracking
Often, when there’s no pain involved, this type of clicking—known as crepitus—may simply be due to minor joint friction or gas bubbles releasing. But if you feel pain, weakness, catching, or instability along with the clicking, it’s time to take notice.
When the Pop Comes with Pain
If clicking is paired with discomfort, it can point to:
Impingement syndromes—structures getting pinched by overhead motion
Rotator cuff tendon inflammation or tears
Labrum or cartilage issues, especially if there’s a history of repetitive stress or overhead activity
These conditions can affect your ability to lift weights, throw, or carry things without discomfort—and they don’t always require surgery.
Here’s How Physical Therapy Helps
1. Get to the Root Cause
Your therapist will assess your shoulder strength, motion patterns, posture, and movement mechanics to pinpoint what’s triggering the clicking (and whether it’s a problem worth addressing).
2. Correct Muscle Imbalances
Strengthening weak shoulder stabilizers—like the rotator cuff and scapular muscles—helps the shoulder move smoothly and tracking issues often resolve.
3. Improve Mobility Where It’s Needed
If your shoulder or thoracic spine is stiff, other muscles overcompensate, throwing off your shoulder’s rhythm. We guide joint mobilizations and controlled stretches to restore balanced motion.
4. Teach Smarter Movement Patterns
We observe how you lift, reach, or train—and show you how to activate the right muscles in the right order to avoid repeated stress or misuse.
5. Provide Pain Relief and Hands‑On Care
Manual therapy—like soft tissue release, tendon glides, or gentle joint mobilization—can relieve irritation and teach your body a smoother range of motion.
Why Choose Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance?
We believe in empowering active people through expert, individualized care. Our cash-based, one-on-one sessions let us spend the time needed to understand your unique movement pattern and goals—without rushing or fitting into insurance boxes.
With us, you’ll receive a custom plan focused on:
Long-term function and shoulder health
Hands-on treatment that plays well with exercise and movement
Prevention rather than band-aid fixes
A shared decision-making approach based on your pace, pain level, and lifestyle
Final Thoughts
Don’t ignore clicking shoulders—especially if it’s louder, more frequent, or painful. But don’t panic either. With a thorough PT evaluation, smart training, and movement rebalancing, many cases improve—or resolve entirely—without pills, scans, or surgery.
Ready to get your shoulder moving smoothly again? Contact Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance today to schedule your evaluation and start building shoulder resilience and mobility.
References
Kuhn, J. E. (2006). Exercise in the treatment of rotator cuff impingement: a systematic review and a synthesized evidence–based rehabilitation program. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 15(1), 138–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2005.08.006
Ludewig, P. M., & Braman, J. P. (2011). Shoulder impingement: biomechanical considerations in rehabilitation. Manual Therapy, 16(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2010.09.006