Shoulder clicking and popping is a sensation that many people experience, often accompanied by a sound that can range from a faint click to a loud pop. While occasional noises from the shoulder joint may not always be a sign of something serious, persistent clicking, popping, or snapping—especially if it’s accompanied by pain or weakness—could indicate an underlying shoulder problem that needs medical attention.

In this detailed article, we will explore the common causes of shoulder clicking and popping, especially from the perspective of an orthopedic and shoulder specialist. This guide is specially curated for individuals experiencing unusual shoulder sensations and for those seeking expert care in Nagpur. Dr. Vishal Sahni, an exclusive shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand surgeon with over 24 years of experience in India and the UK, heads the London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, and provides expert diagnosis and treatment for such issues.

Understanding Shoulder Clicking and Popping

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion but is inherently unstable. This mobility comes at the cost of stability, making the shoulder prone to mechanical issues.

Clicking and popping sounds in the shoulder can be due to:

• Tendons or ligaments moving over bones
• Joint instability or misalignment
• Damage to cartilage or labrum
• Repetitive overuse or trauma
• Age-related wear and tear

Let’s now explore the most common causes of shoulder clicking and popping one by one.

1. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

One of the frequent causes of shoulder clicking is impingement syndrome, a condition in which the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the bones of the shoulder—most commonly between the acromion and the humeral head.

Why does it cause clicking?

When the tendon is inflamed and compressed, it may snap or click as you raise or lower your arm. This can be painful and may limit your range of motion.

Who is at risk?

• Office workers with poor posture
• Athletes, especially swimmers, cricketers, or badminton players
• Manual labourers with repetitive overhead activity

Treatment

Dr. Vishal Sahni recommends a mix of posture correction, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require arthroscopic shoulder decompression.

2. Labral Tears (SLAP Lesions)

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder socket. A tear in the labrum—especially a SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior)—can result in a catching or popping sound when moving the shoulder.

Why does it cause popping?

A torn labrum may get caught between the bones during motion, leading to a loud click or pop. This may be associated with pain, weakness, or even shoulder dislocation.

Common causes:

• Fall on an outstretched arm
• Lifting heavy weights
• Repeated overhead sports movements

Treatment

MRI imaging helps confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may involve rest, physiotherapy, and in some cases, arthroscopic labral repair surgery at a specialized center like London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur.

3. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide shoulder movement and stability. Inflammation (tendonitis) or tears in these tendons can cause abnormal shoulder mechanics, leading to clicking or popping sounds.

Signs to watch for:

• Pain while lifting the arm
• Weakness or inability to lift objects
• Clicking sound during shoulder rotation

Age-related degeneration is a major cause, but it may also happen due to overuse, sports injuries, or trauma.

Treatment

As a shoulder specialist in Nagpur, Dr. Sahni uses a combination of conservative and surgical techniques such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for significant tendon damage.

4. Shoulder Instability or Subluxation

When the shoulder joint becomes loose, either due to trauma or repetitive strain, it can lead to subluxation—a partial dislocation of the shoulder joint. This can result in repeated clicking or popping sounds.

Why does it happen?

• Repetitive throwing or overhead activity
• Previous dislocation not properly healed
• Congenital joint laxity (loose joints)

Symptoms include:

• Clicking with arm movement
• Feeling that the shoulder may “slip out”
• Pain or numbness

Treatment

Shoulder stabilization through physiotherapy is the first step. Chronic cases may require arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery, which Dr. Sahni performs with minimally invasive techniques.

5. Bursitis (Inflammation of the Bursa)

The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. When the shoulder bursa becomes inflamed (bursitis), it can cause pain and a clicking sensation during arm movement.

Common causes:

• Repetitive shoulder motion
• Direct injury or fall
• Infection or inflammatory arthritis

Treatment

Rest, cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections are effective. Chronic cases may require bursectomy or surgical removal of the inflamed bursa.

6. Snapping Scapula Syndrome

This lesser-known condition occurs when the scapula (shoulder blade) moves abnormally over the ribs, producing a snapping or grinding sound, often felt at the back of the shoulder.

Causes:

• Poor posture or shoulder mechanics
• Muscle imbalance or tightness
• Bony abnormality in scapula

Symptoms:

• Audible snapping or popping
• Discomfort during arm movement
• Feeling of friction in the upper back

Treatment

Posture correction, physiotherapy, and strengthening exercises are essential. Surgery is rarely needed unless bony structures are involved.

7. Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

With age or repetitive use, the cartilage in the shoulder joint can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. This causes the bones to rub against each other, producing clicking, popping, or grinding sounds.

Who is at risk?

• Elderly individuals
• People with a history of shoulder trauma
• Manual workers or athletes with overuse injuries

Other symptoms:

• Deep, aching pain in the shoulder
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Weakness and joint deformity

Treatment

While there is no cure, early diagnosis allows symptom control through medications, joint injections, and physiotherapy. Advanced cases may need shoulder replacement surgery, which Dr. Sahni routinely performs at his Nagpur-based clinic.

8. Loose Bodies in the Shoulder Joint

Sometimes, small cartilage or bone fragments can become loose and float within the joint space. These are known as “loose bodies” and can cause locking, clicking, or catching sensations in the shoulder.

What causes loose bodies?

• Previous shoulder trauma
• Advanced arthritis
• Degenerative joint disease

Treatment

Loose bodies can be removed via shoulder arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure offered at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur.

9. Cavitation – A Harmless Joint Sound

Not all shoulder clicking sounds are pathological. Sometimes, harmless gas bubbles form and burst within the joint fluid, similar to cracking knuckles. This is known as cavitation and is usually painless.

When is it normal?

• No associated pain or weakness
• Occurs occasionally
• Not progressive

When to be concerned?

If the clicking becomes frequent, painful, or affects shoulder function, consult an orthopedic doctor in Nagpur to rule out deeper issues.

When Should You Consult a Shoulder Specialist?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms along with shoulder clicking or popping, it’s time to consult an expert like Dr. Vishal Sahni:

• Persistent or sharp pain
• Swelling, redness, or warmth
• Loss of range of motion
• Shoulder feels unstable or slips out
• Difficulty performing daily tasks

At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, patients receive personalized care using the latest techniques, from conservative management to advanced arthroscopic and shoulder replacement surgeries.

Expert Orthopedic Care in Nagpur You Can Trust

Dr. Vishal Sahni is the only exclusive shoulder surgeon in Central India, focusing solely on shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand problems. With 24+ years of global experience in the UK and India, he brings unmatched expertise to patients suffering from shoulder issues.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic is equipped with:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging
• Minimally invasive surgical technology
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Patient-centric care in a modern setting

Whether your clicking shoulder is due to overuse, injury, or aging, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent more serious damage and restore full function.

Conclusion

Clicking and popping in the shoulder can stem from a variety of causes—ranging from harmless joint movement to more serious conditions like tendon tears, labral injuries, and arthritis. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

If you’re in Nagpur or nearby, and you’re looking for an experienced shoulder specialist doctor, consult Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic. With precise diagnosis, compassionate care, and the latest medical innovations, he can help you regain a pain-free, active life.

FAQs – Common Causes of Shoulder Clicking and Popping Sounds

1. Is it normal for my shoulder to make clicking or popping sounds?

Occasional clicking or popping sounds in the shoulder without pain are usually harmless. However, if the sounds are frequent, painful, or restrict movement, it could be due to an underlying issue like tendonitis, labral tear, or impingement and should be evaluated by a shoulder specialist.

2. What causes shoulder clicking during exercise?

Shoulder clicking during exercise may result from tendon movement over bones, poor posture, muscle imbalance, or early signs of rotator cuff irritation. It’s important to consult an orthopedic doctor if the clicking is painful or persistent.

3. Can a labral tear cause shoulder popping?

Yes, a labral tear—especially a SLAP lesion—can lead to a catching or popping sound when the shoulder moves. This is often accompanied by pain or instability and requires diagnosis from a shoulder specialist.

4. Is shoulder clicking a sign of arthritis?

Yes, osteoarthritis of the shoulder can cause clicking, grinding, or popping sounds due to the breakdown of joint cartilage. This is more common in older adults and those with a history of shoulder injuries.

5. Should I be worried if my shoulder pops but doesn’t hurt?

If the shoulder pops without pain and doesn’t affect your movement, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if the popping becomes more frequent or turns painful, get it checked by an orthopedic doctor in Nagpur.

6. How is shoulder popping diagnosed?

Shoulder popping is diagnosed through a physical exam, imaging tests like X-ray or MRI, and sometimes arthroscopy. At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Vishal Sahni uses advanced imaging and clinical tests to pinpoint the exact cause.

7. What is snapping scapula syndrome?

Snapping scapula syndrome is a condition where the shoulder blade (scapula) grinds or clicks against the ribcage due to abnormal motion, tight muscles, or bony changes. It often causes a snapping sound when moving the shoulder.

8. Can rotator cuff injuries cause clicking sounds?

Yes, rotator cuff tendonitis or tears can alter the shoulder’s movement pattern, leading to clicking, popping, or catching sounds during arm motion. These may also cause weakness and pain.

9. Is shoulder popping more common in athletes?

Yes, athletes who frequently perform overhead movements—such as swimmers, cricketers, tennis players, and weightlifters—are at a higher risk of shoulder popping due to overuse injuries or joint instability.

10. Can poor posture cause shoulder clicking?

Absolutely. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and altered biomechanics of the shoulder, contributing to conditions like impingement or snapping scapula syndrome, which cause clicking or popping sounds.

11. What are loose bodies in the shoulder?

Loose bodies are fragments of cartilage or bone floating within the shoulder joint. They can cause locking, clicking, or popping and may require arthroscopic removal by a shoulder surgeon.

12. Does shoulder instability lead to popping sounds?

Yes. When the shoulder joint becomes unstable, it may partially dislocate (subluxate), causing clicking or popping sensations. This is often seen in people with ligament injuries or previous shoulder dislocations.

13. Can bursitis cause a popping shoulder?

Yes, shoulder bursitis—an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursa)—can lead to restricted movement and clicking sounds, particularly when raising the arm.

14. What is cavitation in the shoulder joint?

Cavitation is a harmless release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid, often heard as a crack or pop. This is usually not painful and doesn’t indicate joint damage unless accompanied by other symptoms.

15. When should I see a doctor for shoulder clicking?

See a doctor if the clicking is:

• Painful
• Associated with weakness or swelling
• Limiting your range of motion
• Getting worse over time

Early diagnosis prevents further joint damage

16. Can physiotherapy help with shoulder clicking?

Yes, physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for shoulder clicking caused by muscle imbalance, impingement, or instability. A shoulder specialist may recommend strengthening and posture correction exercises.

17. Will I need surgery for a clicking shoulder?

Surgery is not always required. Conservative treatment is usually effective. However, in cases involving labral tears, rotator cuff injuries, or loose bodies, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be necessary.

18. Is shoulder popping reversible with treatment?

Yes, many causes of shoulder clicking or popping—like tendonitis, bursitis, or muscular imbalance—can be reversed or significantly improved with the right treatment, including rest, medications, therapy, or minor procedures.

19. Can shoulder popping lead to more serious injury?

If left untreated, popping caused by structural damage (like a labral tear or rotator cuff tear) may worsen and result in chronic pain, joint instability, or frozen shoulder. Early treatment is essential.

20. Who is the best shoulder specialist in Nagpur?

Dr. Vishal Sahni is one of the most experienced and exclusive shoulder surgeons in Central India. He practices at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, and is known for accurate diagnosis and advanced shoulder treatments.

21. Where can I get advanced treatment for shoulder popping in Nagpur?

Visit London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, under the expert care of Dr. Vishal Sahni. The clinic offers modern diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgeries, and personalized rehabilitation for all types of shoulder conditions.