Recently I have noticed that my shoulder has been sore at the very top of it. When I move my arm in a circle i can feel it popping and when my arm is all the way back is when it causes me the most pain. It does not really effect my climbing but it does effect many normal things that I do through out the day. I was hoping that someone would be able to let me know what I should do about this; like if I need to just do some exercises or if I need to see a professional. Thank you all in advance for the help!!!!!!!!!!

If you've had it for more than a couple of weeks, see an orthopedist. I try not to get medical advice on MP.

I see you joined MP today. Hmmm.

Nick, definitely go see an ortho or physical therapist. If your regular doc doesn't get it, find another one. My husband had the same complaints (after only about 45 years of climbing, 6000 miles of canoeing and other abuse), and wound up getting his shoulder almost completely rebuilt. The good news is that he's probably gonna wind up with 100% capability when all is said and done. But get it looked at. Don't rely on MP or anything else you can't talk to. And in the meantime, lay off of dead hangs and reaching into the back seat of the car.

The shoulder is more complex than most folks think. You'll learn this researching the various issues that you could have. I have the exact same symptoms as you -but add a nighttime throb can can wake me up. However, that doesn't mean at all that we have the same problems. Mine is a combination of a hideous type III acromion, a slight SLAP tear, impingement and some ac joint arthritis. Despite all that, I have found significant pain relief via stretching and exercises; but that's just whistling past the graveyard as I just put off the inevitable surgery.