How to prepare for a video visit about Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Audience: adult

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It often develops slowly and can limit your ability to move your shoulder. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss treatment options. During the visit, you may be asked about your pain, how your shoulder moves, and any daily activities that are affected. Preparing for the visit can help you get the most from your time with the provider. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can provide valuable advice but is not a replacement for in-person medical evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe shoulder pain with swelling or redness — seek emergency care.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in your arm or hand — get immediate medical help.
• Fever with shoulder pain and warmth around the joint — contact a healthcare provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to frozen shoulder.
• Guiding simple shoulder movement tests to assess range of motion.
• Providing education on home care and exercises.
• Advising when to seek in-person evaluation or urgent care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Administering injections or physical therapy treatments.
• Diagnosing conditions that mimic frozen shoulder without in-person evaluation.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. This happens because the tissue around the joint thickens and tightens, limiting movement. It often develops gradually and can last for months or even years. Common signs include pain, difficulty lifting your arm, and trouble doing everyday tasks like dressing or reaching overhead.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit space where you can sit comfortably. Have a family member or friend nearby if you need help. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder. Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started, how severe the pain is, and what movements are difficult. Write down any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may guide you through simple movements to assess your shoulder’s range of motion. Based on this, they might suggest treatments such as physical therapy exercises, pain management strategies, or recommend an in-person visit for further tests if needed.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If you experience severe shoulder pain that does not improve, sudden swelling, redness, warmth around the joint, fever, or numbness and weakness in your arm, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of infection or other serious conditions requiring prompt care.

Managing Frozen Shoulder at Home

Your provider may suggest gentle stretching exercises and over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage symptoms. Applying heat or cold packs can also reduce pain and stiffness. Consistency with exercises is important but avoid movements that cause sharp pain.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet connection.
• Wear clothing that allows access to your shoulder.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect you.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any exercises or treatments recommended by your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new concerns.
• Schedule follow-up visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Use pain relief methods like heat, cold, or over-the-counter medications as directed.

FAQs

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder often develops after an injury, surgery, or periods of limited shoulder movement. The exact cause is not always clear, but it involves thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Frozen shoulder can last from several months to a few years. It usually goes through stages: freezing (pain and stiffness worsen), frozen (stiffness remains but pain may improve), and thawing (movement gradually returns).

Can I treat frozen shoulder at home?

Yes, gentle stretching exercises and pain relief methods like heat or cold packs can help. However, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice and avoid movements that cause sharp pain.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is severe, you have sudden swelling, redness, fever, or numbness and weakness in your arm, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Will I need imaging tests?

Your provider may recommend imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to rule out other causes of shoulder pain, but these usually require an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Frozen Shoulder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine guidance can help you understand your condition and next steps but is not a substitute for in-person care when needed. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.