Should You Worry About Clicking Sounds After Shoulder Surgery?<\/title> \n<\/head><\/p>\n<body><\/p>\nAfter undergoing shoulder surgery, particularly a rotator cuff repair, it\u2019s not uncommon to notice new sensations or \n sounds coming from your shoulder joint. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to the clicking and \n popping that some people experience post-surgery. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine \n specialist, I, Dr. David Guyer, have heard these concerns many times. In this blog, we\u2019ll delve into the possible \n causes of these sounds, why they generally aren\u2019t cause for alarm, and when it might be advisable to seek further \n medical evaluation. Whether you’re recovering from a procedure or simply curious, understanding these bodily signals \n can help set your mind at ease and assist you on your path to recovery.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Post-Surgery Clicking<\/h2>\nClicking or popping sounds in the shoulder can be unsettling, especially after undergoing surgery. Many patients wonder \n if these sounds indicate a problem with their healing process. However, as an orthopedic surgeon, I can assure you \n that these sounds are often a normal part of shoulder recovery.<\/p>\nFirst, it’s essential to understand that clicking and popping can occur in the shoulder joint both before and after \n surgery. This type of sound is typically not a major concern for orthopedic surgeons. The shoulder is a complex joint \n with many components that work together to provide a wide range of motion. Sometimes, these components move in a way \n that produces a sound, which is generally harmless.<\/p>\n<h3>Potential Causes of Clicking:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n Inflammation or Thicker Bursa<\/strong>: The bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between \n bones and soft tissues, can become inflamed. This inflammation can cause a clicking sound as the shoulder moves.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Abnormal Mechanics<\/strong>: Post-surgery, the shoulder might be moving awkwardly due to stiffness or muscle \n weakness. This can temporarily alter the mechanics of the joint and lead to clicking sounds.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Breaking Through Stiffness<\/strong>: After surgery, the shoulder often experiences stiffness. As you regain \n range of motion and flexibility, you might hear popping sounds as the shoulder begins to move more freely.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Arthritis and Cartilage Wear<\/strong>: Though not usually the case immediately post-surgery, significant \n arthritis or wear and tear on the cartilage lining can sometimes cause clicking sounds.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt’s worth noting that during the surgical procedure, doctors focus on repairing the underlying structural issues \n rather than eliminating clicking sounds. It’s not uncommon for these sounds to persist after the surgical intervention.\n <\/p>\n<h3>When to Consult Your Doctor:<\/h3>\nWhile clicking is often benign, there are certain situations where you should consult your doctor:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Persistent Pain<\/strong>: If the clicking is accompanied by pain that doesn’t improve with time or \n rehabilitation, it may signal a more significant issue.<\/li>\n<li>Significant Swelling or Redness<\/strong>: These could indicate an infection or other complication that \n requires medical attention.<\/li>\n<li>Loss of Function<\/strong>: If the clicking is associated with a loss of shoulder function or stability, \n further evaluation is necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Persisting Sounds<\/strong>: If the clicking persists months into your rehabilitation and is accompanied by \n other symptoms, it might be wise to have an orthopedic evaluation to rule out any complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Rehabilitation and Beyond:<\/h3>\nDuring the rehabilitation phase, you might experience muscle weakness and limited motion, contributing to the sounds you \n hear. It’s crucial to follow the rehabilitation protocol prescribed by your physical therapist or surgeon to ensure a \n smooth recovery.<\/p>\nHere are some general tips to support your recovery and potentially reduce clicking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strengthen Shoulder Muscles<\/strong>: Work with your physical therapist on exercises that target the \n shoulder muscles. Strengthening these can improve joint stability and mechanics.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain Flexibility<\/strong>: Gentle stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve your shoulder’s range \n of motion.<\/li>\n<li>Proper Technique<\/strong>: Pay close attention to the techniques you use during exercises or daily \n activities to reduce strain on the shoulder.<\/li>\n<li>Monitor Progress<\/strong>: Keep track of your progress and make notes of any specific movements that \n trigger clicking. This can help your medical team assess your condition more effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Conclusion:<\/h3>\nExperiencing clicking and popping sounds after shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair, is often not a cause for \n alarm. While unsettling, these sounds are typically a normal part of the healing process, indicating that your body is \n adapting and recovering. However, if the clicking is persistent and accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t \n hesitate to seek medical advice for peace of mind and to ensure there are no underlying issues.<\/p>\nFinally, embrace the recovery process with positivity and patience, knowing that your body is working hard to heal and \n regain its full function. With proper rehabilitation and care, you can look forward to a strong and sound shoulder in \n the months to come.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/p>\n<\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Should You Worry About Clicking Sounds After Shoulder Surgery? After undergoing shoulder surgery, particularly a rotator cuff repair, it\u2019s not uncommon to notice new sensations or sounds coming from your shoulder joint. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to the clicking and popping that some people experience post-surgery. As a triple board-certified orthopedic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-15251","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\/15251","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=15251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15251\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

{"id":15251,"date":"2025-03-26T16:01:48","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T16:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/should-you-worry-about-clicking-sounds-after-shoulder-surgery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2025-03-26T16:01:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T16:01:48","slug":"should-you-worry-about-clicking-sounds-after-shoulder-surgery-heres-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/should-you-worry-about-clicking-sounds-after-shoulder-surgery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Worry About Clicking Sounds After Shoulder Surgery? Here’s What You Need to Know!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Should You Worry About Clicking Sounds After Shoulder Surgery?<\/title> \n<\/head><\/p>\n<body><\/p>\nAfter undergoing shoulder surgery, particularly a rotator cuff repair, it\u2019s not uncommon to notice new sensations or \n sounds coming from your shoulder joint. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to the clicking and \n popping that some people experience post-surgery. As a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine \n specialist, I, Dr. David Guyer, have heard these concerns many times. In this blog, we\u2019ll delve into the possible \n causes of these sounds, why they generally aren\u2019t cause for alarm, and when it might be advisable to seek further \n medical evaluation. Whether you’re recovering from a procedure or simply curious, understanding these bodily signals \n can help set your mind at ease and assist you on your path to recovery.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Post-Surgery Clicking<\/h2>\nClicking or popping sounds in the shoulder can be unsettling, especially after undergoing surgery. Many patients wonder \n if these sounds indicate a problem with their healing process. However, as an orthopedic surgeon, I can assure you \n that these sounds are often a normal part of shoulder recovery.<\/p>\nFirst, it’s essential to understand that clicking and popping can occur in the shoulder joint both before and after \n surgery. This type of sound is typically not a major concern for orthopedic surgeons. The shoulder is a complex joint \n with many components that work together to provide a wide range of motion. Sometimes, these components move in a way \n that produces a sound, which is generally harmless.<\/p>\n<h3>Potential Causes of Clicking:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n Inflammation or Thicker Bursa<\/strong>: The bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between \n bones and soft tissues, can become inflamed. This inflammation can cause a clicking sound as the shoulder moves.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Abnormal Mechanics<\/strong>: Post-surgery, the shoulder might be moving awkwardly due to stiffness or muscle \n weakness. This can temporarily alter the mechanics of the joint and lead to clicking sounds.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Breaking Through Stiffness<\/strong>: After surgery, the shoulder often experiences stiffness. As you regain \n range of motion and flexibility, you might hear popping sounds as the shoulder begins to move more freely.\n <\/li>\n<li>\n Arthritis and Cartilage Wear<\/strong>: Though not usually the case immediately post-surgery, significant \n arthritis or wear and tear on the cartilage lining can sometimes cause clicking sounds.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt’s worth noting that during the surgical procedure, doctors focus on repairing the underlying structural issues \n rather than eliminating clicking sounds. It’s not uncommon for these sounds to persist after the surgical intervention.\n <\/p>\n<h3>When to Consult Your Doctor:<\/h3>\nWhile clicking is often benign, there are certain situations where you should consult your doctor:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Persistent Pain<\/strong>: If the clicking is accompanied by pain that doesn’t improve with time or \n rehabilitation, it may signal a more significant issue.<\/li>\n<li>Significant Swelling or Redness<\/strong>: These could indicate an infection or other complication that \n requires medical attention.<\/li>\n<li>Loss of Function<\/strong>: If the clicking is associated with a loss of shoulder function or stability, \n further evaluation is necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Persisting Sounds<\/strong>: If the clicking persists months into your rehabilitation and is accompanied by \n other symptoms, it might be wise to have an orthopedic evaluation to rule out any complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Rehabilitation and Beyond:<\/h3>\nDuring the rehabilitation phase, you might experience muscle weakness and limited motion, contributing to the sounds you \n hear. It’s crucial to follow the rehabilitation protocol prescribed by your physical therapist or surgeon to ensure a \n smooth recovery.<\/p>\nHere are some general tips to support your recovery and potentially reduce clicking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strengthen Shoulder Muscles<\/strong>: Work with your physical therapist on exercises that target the \n shoulder muscles. Strengthening these can improve joint stability and mechanics.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain Flexibility<\/strong>: Gentle stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve your shoulder’s range \n of motion.<\/li>\n<li>Proper Technique<\/strong>: Pay close attention to the techniques you use during exercises or daily \n activities to reduce strain on the shoulder.<\/li>\n<li>Monitor Progress<\/strong>: Keep track of your progress and make notes of any specific movements that \n trigger clicking. This can help your medical team assess your condition more effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Conclusion:<\/h3>\nExperiencing clicking and popping sounds after shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair, is often not a cause for \n alarm. While unsettling, these sounds are typically a normal part of the healing process, indicating that your body is \n adapting and recovering. However, if the clicking is persistent and accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t \n hesitate to seek medical advice for peace of mind and to ensure there are no underlying issues.<\/p>\nFinally, embrace the recovery process with positivity and patience, knowing that your body is working hard to heal and \n regain its full function. With proper rehabilitation and care, you can look forward to a strong and sound shoulder in \n the months to come.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/p>\n<\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Should You Worry About Clicking Sounds After Shoulder Surgery? After undergoing shoulder surgery, particularly a rotator cuff repair, it\u2019s not uncommon to notice new sensations or sounds coming from your shoulder joint. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to the clicking and popping that some people experience post-surgery. As a triple board-certified orthopedic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-15251","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\/15251","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=15251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15251\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butikhus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}