Red flags & when to go in person for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Audience: adult

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the shoulder joint. It often develops slowly and can last for months or even years. Many people can manage frozen shoulder with home care, physical therapy, and guidance from healthcare providers. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and get advice on exercises and pain relief. However, it is important to recognize certain warning signs that need in-person medical evaluation. These include severe pain that does not improve, sudden swelling or redness, or symptoms that suggest a different or more serious problem. This guide helps you know when telemedicine is appropriate and when to seek urgent in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and monitoring but is not a substitute for hands-on medical examination when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or medication — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Sudden swelling, redness, warmth, or fever near the shoulder — possible infection requiring immediate care.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of movement in the arm or hand — urgent neurological assessment needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and education about frozen shoulder.
• Guidance on gentle exercises and pain management techniques.
• Monitoring progress and advising on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
• Procedures like injections or surgery.
• Emergency evaluation for severe pain, infection, or neurological symptoms.

What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

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 make everyday activities like reaching or lifting difficult. The condition usually progresses through stages: painful freezing, stiff frozen, and recovery thawing. Recovery can take several months to years.

Common Symptoms and How Telemedicine Can Help

Symptoms include shoulder pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Pain may worsen at night or with movement. Telemedicine visits can help by allowing you to describe symptoms, show your shoulder movement on video, and get advice on gentle exercises and pain management. Providers can guide you on self-care and when to seek further care.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person without delay:

These symptoms could indicate complications or other serious conditions requiring urgent evaluation.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Frozen Shoulder

**Telemedicine can:**

**Telemedicine cannot:**

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person visit is important.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine appointment:

This preparation helps your provider assess your condition effectively.

After Your Telemedicine Visit: Next Steps

After your visit, you may be advised to:

Following this plan can help improve your shoulder function and reduce discomfort.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for your visit.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder for movement demonstration.
• Have a family member or friend nearby to assist if needed.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, questions, and current medications.
• Be ready to show your shoulder movements on camera during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Perform prescribed shoulder exercises regularly as instructed.
• Use recommended pain relief methods safely.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder often develops when the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, limiting movement. It can happen after injury, surgery, or periods of immobility, but sometimes the exact cause is unknown.

How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages over 1 to 3 years. The painful freezing stage lasts several months, followed by a stiff frozen stage, then a thawing stage where movement gradually improves.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for frozen shoulder?

Telemedicine is useful for education, symptom monitoring, and exercise guidance but cannot replace hands-on exams, imaging, or procedures. In-person visits are important when symptoms worsen or red flags appear.

What exercises can help with frozen shoulder?

Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can improve flexibility. Your healthcare provider can guide you on safe exercises during telemedicine visits. Avoid pushing into pain.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor urgently if you have severe pain not relieved by rest or medication, sudden swelling or redness, fever, numbness, weakness, or after a shoulder injury. These may indicate serious problems needing immediate care.

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 — National Library of Medicine.
4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any red flag symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate in-person evaluation.