Can telemedicine treat Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Audience: pediatric

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, limiting movement. While it is less common in children, it can still occur and affect daily activities. Telemedicine can help by allowing doctors to evaluate symptoms, guide gentle exercises, and suggest ways to manage pain remotely. However, some cases may require physical exams or imaging tests that need in-person visits. Early treatment often helps improve shoulder movement and reduce discomfort. Using telemedicine, families can get advice on how to care for a child's shoulder safely at home and know when to seek urgent help. Remember, this information is educational and not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal medical advice.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with home care — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Sudden swelling, redness, warmth, or fever around the shoulder — possible infection needing immediate care.
• Inability to move the shoulder at all or numbness/weakness in the arm — requires prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Guidance on gentle exercises and pain management strategies.
• Monitoring progress and answering follow-up questions.
• Providing education about the condition and home care tips.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
• Procedures such as injections or physical therapy sessions.
• Emergency situations with severe pain, swelling, or neurological symptoms.

What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move. It happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens. This can make simple actions like reaching or lifting the arm difficult. Though it is more common in adults, children can sometimes develop frozen shoulder, especially after injuries or other health problems.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Through video or phone calls, healthcare providers can ask about symptoms, watch how the child moves the shoulder, and suggest gentle exercises to improve motion. They can also recommend ways to manage pain, such as using ice or over-the-counter pain relievers. Telemedicine allows families to get timely advice without leaving home, which can be helpful for follow-up visits and monitoring progress.

When is In-Person Care Needed?

If the shoulder pain is severe, getting worse, or if there is swelling, redness, or fever, an in-person visit is important. Sometimes doctors need to do physical exams, order X-rays or MRI scans, or provide treatments like physical therapy or injections that cannot be done remotely. Early in-person evaluation can help rule out other causes of shoulder pain.

Managing Frozen Shoulder at Home

Families can help by encouraging gentle shoulder movements as advised by the healthcare provider. Applying ice packs can reduce pain and swelling. Avoid forcing the shoulder into painful positions. Keeping a daily log of symptoms and activity can help during telemedicine visits. Patience is important, as recovery may take weeks to months.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder in Children

Preventing frozen shoulder involves protecting the shoulder from injury and maintaining regular, gentle movement, especially after an injury or surgery. If a child has had a shoulder injury, following medical advice for rehabilitation can reduce the risk of stiffness developing.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of symptoms ready, including when they started and how they affect daily activities.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit where the child can move their shoulder as instructed.
• Have any previous medical records or imaging results available to share if possible.
• Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure a stable internet or phone connection for the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on exercises and pain management.
• Keep a daily record of symptoms and any changes in shoulder movement.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Maintain gentle shoulder use to prevent stiffness but avoid painful movements.

FAQs

Can frozen shoulder happen in children?

Yes, although it is less common than in adults, children can develop frozen shoulder, especially after injuries or certain illnesses.

Will telemedicine visits be enough to treat frozen shoulder?

Telemedicine can help with initial evaluation, guidance on exercises, and monitoring. However, some cases may need in-person visits for physical exams, imaging, or treatments.

What exercises can help frozen shoulder?

Gentle range-of-motion exercises are often recommended to improve shoulder movement. A healthcare provider can guide which exercises are safe and effective.

When should I seek emergency care for shoulder pain?

Seek urgent care if the child has severe pain that does not improve, swelling or redness around the shoulder, fever, or loss of movement or sensation in the arm.

How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Recovery can take several weeks to months. Early treatment and consistent exercises often help speed up improvement.

Sources

1. Frozen Shoulder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice.