When to see a doctor for shoulder popping but no pain

Shoulder popping is a common experience, but it may indicate a need for professional medical attention. Are you or someone you know hearing popping noises coming from their shoulder? Is there shoulder pain with it? Keep reading to learn more about shoulder popping with no pain and if you should see a doctor for it.

What noises coming from the shoulder are generally not a cause for concern?

It’s not uncommon to experience shoulder noises. When these noises are heard without any pain following, it’s usually not any significant or immediate cause for concern. Take a look at some of the noises that typically shouldn’t raise any alarm.

• Cracking noises with no pain.
• Popping noises with no pain.
• Clicking noises with no pain.

Even if you’re experiencing noises that don’t cause any pain, you should still consider eventually making a visit with a PT specialist. These noises may indicate that you’re dealing with something like shoulder instability or weakness. You may not need a doctor’s immediate medical attention, but seeing a physical therapist could be helpful. They can ensure that you aren’t vulnerable to developing any painful symptoms and can help address your condition.

What are some possible explanations for shoulder popping that doesn’t feel painful?

There are a few possible explanations for why a person might hear a popping noise or other kinds of noise coming from their shoulder without any pain. The first is called cavitation, which is basically a term used to describe when air bubbles move inside a joint. Another possible explanation is that it's from an injury you obtained in the past. These may create noise but not necessarily cause you any painful or uncomfortable sensations. A third possibility is that it’s just a noise that comes with aging. The joints become less lubricated over time and don’t function as efficiently as they used to, which could be the case if you’re an older adult and you experience shoulder popping without pain.

What noises coming from the shoulder should signal that it’s time to see a doctor?

When you start to hear shoulder noises that simultaneously cause you pain, it’s probably time to see a health care provider. Physical therapy can help with most cases of shoulder injury or pain, but if you experience any of the following, it’s time to see a doctor first. They’ll help you stabilize it and then, more likely than not, recommend you see a physical therapist near you.

• Cracking noises with pain.
• Popping noises with pain.
• Clicking noises with pain.

Noises that are followed by pain, whether it be immediate or later-occurring, should probably be seen by a health care professional. They may lead to limited mobility, reduced range of motion, increased pain, muscle weakness, and more symptoms. It’s important to seek treatment if your shoulder popping is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or stiffness.

What conditions could be related to shoulder noises that cause pain?

There might be a few different reasons why you’re experiencing shoulder pain and hearing strange or unusual noises coming from your shoulder. Take a look at some of the most likely explanations listed below.

• Labral tear — A labral tear is an injury that occurs to the labrum, which is cartilage in your shoulder. They’re most often caused by repetitive motions or traumatic injuries. Some cases require surgery. Someone with a torn labrum is likely to hear a grinding or grating noise and intense pain.

• Rotator cuff injuries — A rotator cuff injury can involve the muscles or tendons near the rotator cuff. When one of these is torn, popping or clicking can be heard, followed by pain. It’s usually caused by a traumatic injury or from overuse in sports. SLAP tears are often confused with rotator cuff tears, but you can learn the difference here.

• Bursitis — Bursitis is a condition involving inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs called bursae. When the bursae in the scapula become inflamed, they can cause snapping noises accompanied by sharp and intense pain.

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that causes degeneration of the joints and bones over time. Osteoarthritis can lead to popping noises in the shoulder along with aching, chronic pain.

Ready to receive the high-quality level of physical therapy care you deserve? Let Alliance PTP help you find a physical therapist near you 

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address any shoulder popping you may experience even if it doesn’t cause you any pain. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!