Hearing a sudden snap, click or pop in your shoulder can be alarming. Even if this sound isn’t accompanied by pain, it can be a valid cause for concern. While this sound isn’t necessarily harmful, it could be a sign of a serious condition. If you’re worried about your shoulder clicking, with or without pain, it might be time to seek treatment. Specialty physical therapy services can address a wide range of symptoms, including shoulder clicking. A comprehensive initial physical therapy evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms, giving you more insight into your condition. This can also lay the foundation for future treatment. If you’re not sure whether treatment’s right for you, it can help to learn more about some of the signs that could indicate your shoulder clicking is connected to a more serious underlying condition.
Signs you should seek treatment for your shoulder clicking with no pain
Stiffness — If you have difficulty moving your shoulder, it could indicate a deeper problem. Shoulder stiffness can have many causes, from muscle strain to arthritis. Some of the conditions that lead to shoulder stiffness can also cause your shoulder to click. Depending on your condition, you may notice a clicking sound as your shoulder locks into place. Shoulder locking can make it hard to engage in simple actions such as reaching overhead. If you’re experiencing shoulder stiffness along with clicking, it may be time to get treatment. Physical therapy treatments can address the source of your stiffness, enabling you to move more freely.
Weakness — Weakness is often a sign that muscles or tendons are not functioning properly. If your shoulder is weak, the clicking you experience may be due to dysfunction. Weakness can stem from underlying factors like muscle imbalances or issues with the rotator cuff. A weak shoulder can make it hard to do things like carrying heavy objects. With physical therapy, you can improve your shoulder strength. Your physical therapist can prescribe strengthening exercises tailored to your needs. These exercises will target weak muscles, reducing muscle imbalances and improving your strength.
Instability — Does your shoulder feel unstable, as if it might pop out of place? If so, seeking treatment is important. Shoulder instability can be a sign of joint or ligament dysfunction. In addition to clicking, there are several other signs that might indicate shoulder instability. One common sign is a slipping or catching sensation. You may also notice more frequent clicking during specific movements. Your physical therapist can help you address your shoulder instability. With targeted exercises and other treatments, you can build muscle support around your shoulder and improve joint stability.
What causes shoulder clicking?
Knowing what’s causing your shoulder clicking can help you get a better understanding of your condition. Identifying the cause of your symptoms can also be key to effective treatment. At the start of your treatment journey, your physical therapist will likely provide a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. This can provide valuable information as you work with your physical therapist to build a strong treatment plan. Some potential causes for your shoulder clicking, with or without pain, include:
Tension — Muscle tension around the shoulder can lead to a clicking sound and sensation when you move your arm. Muscle tension is often caused by overuse, inactivity and persistent strain. Physical therapy treatments like manual therapy and dry needling can be great for relieving your tension and eliminating your symptoms.
Labral tear — The shoulder labrum is an important ring of cartilage. This piece of tissue lines your shoulder socket and helps keep your shoulder joint in place. Sustaining a labral tear can have many symptoms, including persistent pain and stiffness. Even once your pain has faded, you may continue to experience shoulder clicking. Labral tears are especially common in athletes who engage in a lot of overhead activities, such as basketball and volleyball players. Research shows that shoulder labrum tears may affect more than 83% of overhead athletes. If you’ve sustained a labral tear, physical therapy can help accelerate your recovery. As you recover, your physical therapist can educate you on injury prevention techniques to reduce the risk of further shoulder injuries in the future.
Muscular imbalances — The rotator cuff is the collection of muscles and other tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. The muscles in your rotator cuff enable your shoulder to rotate and make other motions. Weakness or tightness in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to clicking as well as other symptoms.
KC Rehab can help address your shoulder clicking and any associated symptoms
You can get top-notch physical therapy at KC Rehab. We offer tailored treatments for a range of shoulder conditions. Our team can help you each step of the way in addressing the symptoms affecting your shoulder.
Contact our team today for more information about shoulder conditions and treatments, or reach out to schedule an initial appointment.
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