Is Shoulder Clicking After Surgery a Cause for Concern? An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Insight<\/title><br \/>\n<\/head><br \/>\n<body><\/p>\n<p>After undergoing shoulder surgery, many patients report hearing or feeling a clicking sound in their shoulder, leading to concerns about the success of the procedure or the possibility of complications. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. David Guyer shares insights into the common causes of clicking and popping sounds in the shoulder both before and after surgery. In this blog, we will explore whether these sounds should be a cause for alarm, what they might indicate, and how they relate to the healing process. Dr. Guyer will also provide tips on when it might be necessary to seek further medical advice. Whether you’re recovering from rotator cuff surgery or dealing with shoulder pain, understanding these phenomena can help you navigate your path to recovery with greater confidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Possible Causes of Clicking and Popping:<\/h2>\n<h3>Normal Post-Surgical Effects:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Following shoulder surgery, your shoulder will undergo a range of changes as part of the healing process.<\/li>\n<li>The stiffness in the shoulder joint and temporary weakness of the surrounding muscles can contribute to the clicking sound.<\/li>\n<li>These noises might simply be due to the joint adjusting and tissues moving as they regain strength and flexibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Inflammation or Thickening of the Bursa:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps cushion the shoulder joint.<\/li>\n<li>Inflammation or changes in this structure can lead to clicking sounds, particularly after surgical interventions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Altered Mechanics of the Shoulder:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Surgery can alter the way your shoulder moves, creating temporary abnormalities in joint movement.<\/li>\n<li>As you go through physical therapy and rehabilitation, these mechanics may improve, reducing the clicking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cartilage Wear and Tear:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>In some cases, especially with pre-existing arthritis, wear and tear of the cartilage might be a source of noise.<\/li>\n<li>However, this is often diagnosed long before surgery and isn\u2019t usually the primary concern post-operation unless symptoms persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>When to Be Concerned:<\/h2>\n<p>While clicking and popping are generally benign post-surgery, certain signs might require medical advice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Persistent Pain:<\/strong> If the clicking is accompanied by severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, it could indicate an issue such as improper healing or complications with the surgical repair.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Swelling and Redness:<\/strong> Any signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or increased warmth around the shoulder, warrant prompt medical attention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Range of Motion:<\/strong> If you notice a significant decrease in the ability to move your shoulder, or new constraints in range of motion, it\u2019s important to consult with your surgeon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Duration of Symptoms:<\/strong> If the clicking and popping continue for months and do not improve with physical therapy, it might be worthwhile to revisit your orthopedic surgeon to ensure there\u2019s no underlying issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Post-Surgery Recommendations:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Adhere to Rehabilitation Protocols:<\/strong> Follow your physical therapy regimen diligently, as it\u2019s designed to restore normal movement and strength to your shoulder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitor Your Symptoms:<\/strong> Keep track of any changes in the clicking, pain levels, or functionality of your shoulder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay Informed:<\/strong> Read materials like Dr. Guyer\u2019s “The Arthritis Solution” to better understand joint health and management strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion:<\/h2>\n<p>In summary, while clicking and popping in the shoulder after surgery can be unsettling, these sounds are usually not a cause for significant concern. They are often part and parcel of the recovery process, reflecting the complex journey of healing. By staying informed, vigilant of your symptoms, and proactive in your rehabilitation, you can navigate your post-surgery recovery with confidence. Always remember, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out complications and ensure optimal healing.<\/p>\n<p>By understanding these potential causes, you can grasp that not every post-operative symptom indicates a misstep in your recovery. Instead, with patience and proper guidance, you can look forward to regaining full function in your shoulder, free from concern over every click and pop.<\/p>\n<p><\/body><br \/>\n<\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Shoulder Clicking After Surgery a Cause for Concern? An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Insight After undergoing shoulder surgery, many patients report hearing or feeling a clicking sound in their shoulder, leading to concerns about the success of the procedure or the possibility of complications. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. David […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-15249","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorized"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15249"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15249\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

{"id":15249,"date":"2025-03-26T10:01:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T10:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/is-shoulder-clicking-after-surgery-a-cause-for-concern-an-orthopedic-surgeons-insight\/"},"modified":"2025-03-26T10:01:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T10:01:36","slug":"is-shoulder-clicking-after-surgery-a-cause-for-concern-an-orthopedic-surgeons-insight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/is-shoulder-clicking-after-surgery-a-cause-for-concern-an-orthopedic-surgeons-insight\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Shoulder Clicking After Surgery a Cause for Concern? An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Insight"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Is Shoulder Clicking After Surgery a Cause for Concern? An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Insight<\/title><br \/>\n<\/head><br \/>\n<body><\/p>\n<p>After undergoing shoulder surgery, many patients report hearing or feeling a clicking sound in their shoulder, leading to concerns about the success of the procedure or the possibility of complications. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. David Guyer shares insights into the common causes of clicking and popping sounds in the shoulder both before and after surgery. In this blog, we will explore whether these sounds should be a cause for alarm, what they might indicate, and how they relate to the healing process. Dr. Guyer will also provide tips on when it might be necessary to seek further medical advice. Whether you’re recovering from rotator cuff surgery or dealing with shoulder pain, understanding these phenomena can help you navigate your path to recovery with greater confidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Possible Causes of Clicking and Popping:<\/h2>\n<h3>Normal Post-Surgical Effects:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Following shoulder surgery, your shoulder will undergo a range of changes as part of the healing process.<\/li>\n<li>The stiffness in the shoulder joint and temporary weakness of the surrounding muscles can contribute to the clicking sound.<\/li>\n<li>These noises might simply be due to the joint adjusting and tissues moving as they regain strength and flexibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Inflammation or Thickening of the Bursa:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps cushion the shoulder joint.<\/li>\n<li>Inflammation or changes in this structure can lead to clicking sounds, particularly after surgical interventions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Altered Mechanics of the Shoulder:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Surgery can alter the way your shoulder moves, creating temporary abnormalities in joint movement.<\/li>\n<li>As you go through physical therapy and rehabilitation, these mechanics may improve, reducing the clicking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cartilage Wear and Tear:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>In some cases, especially with pre-existing arthritis, wear and tear of the cartilage might be a source of noise.<\/li>\n<li>However, this is often diagnosed long before surgery and isn\u2019t usually the primary concern post-operation unless symptoms persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>When to Be Concerned:<\/h2>\n<p>While clicking and popping are generally benign post-surgery, certain signs might require medical advice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Persistent Pain:<\/strong> If the clicking is accompanied by severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, it could indicate an issue such as improper healing or complications with the surgical repair.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Swelling and Redness:<\/strong> Any signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or increased warmth around the shoulder, warrant prompt medical attention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Range of Motion:<\/strong> If you notice a significant decrease in the ability to move your shoulder, or new constraints in range of motion, it\u2019s important to consult with your surgeon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Duration of Symptoms:<\/strong> If the clicking and popping continue for months and do not improve with physical therapy, it might be worthwhile to revisit your orthopedic surgeon to ensure there\u2019s no underlying issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Post-Surgery Recommendations:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Adhere to Rehabilitation Protocols:<\/strong> Follow your physical therapy regimen diligently, as it\u2019s designed to restore normal movement and strength to your shoulder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitor Your Symptoms:<\/strong> Keep track of any changes in the clicking, pain levels, or functionality of your shoulder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay Informed:<\/strong> Read materials like Dr. Guyer\u2019s “The Arthritis Solution” to better understand joint health and management strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion:<\/h2>\n<p>In summary, while clicking and popping in the shoulder after surgery can be unsettling, these sounds are usually not a cause for significant concern. They are often part and parcel of the recovery process, reflecting the complex journey of healing. By staying informed, vigilant of your symptoms, and proactive in your rehabilitation, you can navigate your post-surgery recovery with confidence. Always remember, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out complications and ensure optimal healing.<\/p>\n<p>By understanding these potential causes, you can grasp that not every post-operative symptom indicates a misstep in your recovery. Instead, with patience and proper guidance, you can look forward to regaining full function in your shoulder, free from concern over every click and pop.<\/p>\n<p><\/body><br \/>\n<\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Shoulder Clicking After Surgery a Cause for Concern? An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Insight After undergoing shoulder surgery, many patients report hearing or feeling a clicking sound in their shoulder, leading to concerns about the success of the procedure or the possibility of complications. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. David […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-15249","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorized"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15249"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15249\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}