My Shoulder Keeps Clicking: What Should I Know?

A click can occur when a tendon moves over bone, when joint surfaces shift, or when gas changes within the joint fluid. The sound alone does not identify a diagnosis.

Shoulder popping and clicking can occur with looseness of the joint, a previous injury, or wear-related changes. Shoulder instability may be more likely when the arm feels as though it might slip out, especially during overhead activity. Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause painful grinding, stiffness, and loss of motion.

Notice when the sound occurs and whether it is linked with pain, swelling, weakness, catching, or a feeling of slipping. Reduce movements that repeatedly provoke symptoms for a short period, while keeping the shoulder gently moving within a comfortable range.

A clinician or physiotherapist can compare both shoulders, check strength and movement, and decide whether imaging is useful. Do not force a painful click or repeatedly test whether the shoulder will pop.

Arrange an appointment if clicking persists with pain, night discomfort, weakness, a sense of instability, or difficulty lifting the arm. Seek urgent care after a significant injury if the shoulder looks out of place, the arm cannot be moved, or the hand becomes numb, cold, or unusually pale.

Ask: Could the location and timing of the click suggest tendon movement, instability, or joint wear? Do I need an examination or imaging? Which exercises are appropriate, and which movements should I pause?