Shoulder Clicking and Popping: What It Means After Rotator Cuff Surgery
After undergoing rotator cuff surgery, hearing or feeling a clicking sound in your shoulder can be a cause for concern. But is it truly worrisome? As you navigate recovery, understanding the possible causes behind this phenomenon can help ease your mind. Dr. David Guyer, a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon, explains that shoulder clicking and popping post-surgery isn’t necessarily a red flag. Here’s a deeper dive into why this occurs and when you should consider seeking further evaluation.
Understanding the Source of the Clicking
Clicking and popping in the shoulder can be attributed to various factors, especially following surgery. Dr. Guyer notes that before and after surgery, these sounds generally aren’t indicative of any severe issues. They can arise from inflammation or thickening of the bursa, which sits above the ball and socket joint, providing a cushion for the rotator cuff. Sometimes, abnormal mechanics or awkward movements of the shoulder, particularly after surgery, can contribute to these noises.
Is It a Bad Sign?
Orthopedic surgeons typically do not express concern over clicking or popping sounds in the shoulder, whether noted during or after surgery. Often these sounds aren’t linked to any identified damage that requires repair. The stiffness and muscle weakness post-surgery can lead to such sensations as the shoulder adjusts and heals. It’s when these symptoms persist months into rehabilitation that they might warrant further evaluation.
When to Seek Further Evaluation
If clicking and popping continue well beyond the expected recovery period and are accompanied by pain or a decrease in mobility, it might be time to consult your healthcare provider. However, in most cases, these sounds are a normal part of the healing process, and you might not have anything to worry about.
Additional Resources
For more information on shoulder health and recovery, Dr. Guyer offers a free eBook, “The Arthritis Solution,” available through a link in the description of his video. For those exploring non-surgical options, Dr. Guyer welcomes you to contact him through his website to discuss alternative treatments.
