Is your shoulder popping or clicking during workouts? Whether the sensation is accompanied by shoulder pain or not, you might be wondering why it happens and if it means that something is wrong.
Shoulder popping isn’t all that uncommon —especially when lifting weights — but persistent popping accompanied by discomfort, weakness, or a feeling of instability could point to an underlying joint issue. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in sports medicine, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Your shoulders are two of the most mobile joints in your body, and that high level of mobility can make them more prone to wear, strain, and injury than other parts of your body — especially if you’re regularly lifting heavy weights. Here are a few possible reasons why your shoulder might pop when lifting:
Sometimes, tendons or ligaments can snap over bones as your shoulder moves and make a popping sound. This is usually harmless unless it's painful or limits your range of motion.
The labrum is the cartilage ring that supports your shoulder socket. Tears from overuse or trauma can lead to a catching or popping feeling in your shoulder, especially during overhead movements.
Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of arm movements. Rotator cuff tendinitis or tears can create inflammation and instability in your shoulder and cause symptoms like clicking, weakness, and pain.
When the space between your shoulder bones narrows — like when you’re lifting above your head — tendons can get pinched, causing discomfort and audible pops.
If your shoulder joint is loose or partially dislocating (subluxation), it may pop or shift unnaturally when you move.
If you frequently experience a popping sensation in your shoulder or any type of shoulder discomfort when lifting weights, it’s important to have it checked out. Ignoring ongoing shoulder symptoms can make things worse over time, and what starts as a minor annoyance could progress to a more serious condition like a rotator cuff tear or chronic instability.
At Manhattan Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries in active patients of all ages. Our experienced providers evaluate your shoulder function, strength, and range of motion, and we may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a clearer picture of what’s going on beneath the surface.
Our goal is to help you recover and return to your active lifestyle safely. Once we identify the underlying issue that’s causing your shoulder symptoms, we work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Although treatment depends on your diagnosis, it may include:
Physical therapy can play an important role in rehabilitation. During your sessions, your therapist can teach you how to lift safely to avoid putting excessive strain on your shoulders and keep your joints protected in the long term.
If your shoulder keeps popping, don’t just push through the discomfort — get it checked out. We’re here to help you stay in the game and move pain-free, so book your first appointment online or call one of our clinics in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York.
