How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that can cause stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It may make moving the shoulder difficult for children. This guide helps families prepare for a video visit with a healthcare provider about frozen shoulder. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, watch how the child moves their shoulder, and discuss possible treatments. Preparing for the visit can help make the time useful and comfortable. Remember, telemedicine can support early care and advice but is not a replacement for in-person medical exams when needed. If your child has severe pain, sudden swelling, or signs of infection, seek emergency care right away.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe shoulder pain or swelling — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection such as fever, redness, or warmth around the shoulder — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in the arm or hand — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and shoulder movement.
• Providing education about frozen shoulder and home care advice.
• Guidance on gentle exercises and pain management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or manipulation.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Treating severe pain, infections, or neurological symptoms.
• Emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

What is Frozen Shoulder in Children?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, happens when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It can limit how much the child can move their arm. This condition may develop after an injury, surgery, or sometimes without a clear cause. It often improves with time and treatment but can take several months to get better.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and how the shoulder affects daily activities. They may ask you to help your child move their arm in certain ways so the provider can observe the shoulder's movement. The provider will discuss possible next steps, which might include exercises, pain relief options, or referrals for in-person care if needed.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

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When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has any of the following, seek medical care immediately:

These signs require urgent evaluation beyond what telemedicine can provide.

Managing Frozen Shoulder at Home

Your healthcare provider may suggest gentle exercises to improve shoulder movement and reduce stiffness. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help ease discomfort. Avoid forcing the shoulder into painful positions. Follow the provider's advice carefully and report any worsening symptoms promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet access for the video visit.
• Have your child's medical history and any previous test results available.
• Dress your child in clothing that allows easy access to the shoulder area.
• Be ready to assist your child in moving their shoulder as directed by the provider.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about your child's shoulder.
• Ensure a device with a working camera and microphone is charged and ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on exercises and pain management.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or in-person evaluations.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your child's progress to discuss in future visits.

FAQs

What causes frozen shoulder in children?

Frozen shoulder in children can develop after an injury, surgery, or sometimes without a clear reason. It happens when the shoulder joint capsule becomes tight and inflamed, limiting movement.

Can frozen shoulder get better without treatment?

Frozen shoulder often improves over time, but treatment like exercises and pain relief can help speed recovery and reduce discomfort.

Is a video visit enough to diagnose frozen shoulder?

A video visit can help assess symptoms and shoulder movement, but sometimes an in-person exam or imaging tests are needed for a full diagnosis.

What exercises can help frozen shoulder?

Gentle range-of-motion exercises are usually recommended to improve flexibility. Your healthcare provider will guide you on safe exercises to do at home.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has sudden severe shoulder pain, swelling, signs of infection (like fever or redness), numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Frozen Shoulder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 and Beyond — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent health concerns, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.