Why Does My Shoulder Click or Pop?

Harmless clicking

The shoulder is a very mobile joint, with many muscles and tendons moving over bones. As you lift or rotate your arm, these soft tissues can snap or rub over each other and make noise. Some people also hear a pop that comes from gas bubbles inside the joint. If it doesn't hurt and your shoulder works well, there is usually no need to worry or to avoid the movement.

Shoulder noise also tends to be more common as we age, and it can come and go. Keeping the shoulder strong and moving is good for it either way.

When clicking may mean something more

• Rotator cuff irritation can cause a painful catch partway through lifting your arm.
• A labrum tear (the rim of cartilage around the socket) can cause clicking, catching or a deep ache, often after an injury or repeated overhead activity.
• Shoulder instability, where the joint feels loose or like it might slip out, can follow a dislocation or happen in people with very flexible joints.
• Shoulder blade clicking can come from how the shoulder blade moves against the ribs.

Many of these improve with targeted strengthening and better shoulder control. Some need a doctor's evaluation or imaging.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

• Left shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating: call 911
• A shoulder that looks out of place, or that you can't move after a fall or injury: get emergency care
• Sudden weakness, so you can't lift your arm
• A hot, red, swollen shoulder, or shoulder pain with fever
• Numbness or tingling down the arm

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can watch how your shoulder and shoulder blade move, test strength and stability, and give you exercises to improve control and reduce painful clicking. If something needs a doctor or imaging, they will tell you.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff →

Related questions

• Why Does My Shoulder Hurt When I Reach Overhead or Behind My Back?
• Why Does My Shoulder Hurt at Night When I Lie on It?
• Why Do My Hands Go Numb or Tingle at Night?
• How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Last?
• All patient questions

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026