What happens after a telemedicine visit for 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. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually review your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and may recommend exercises or medications to help improve your shoulder movement and reduce pain. You might be advised to do physical therapy or use pain relief methods at home. Follow-up appointments could be scheduled to monitor your progress. It's important to report any worsening symptoms or new concerns promptly. Telemedicine can help guide your care, but some cases may require in-person evaluation or imaging tests. Always follow your provider's instructions and seek urgent care if you experience severe pain, sudden loss of movement, or other serious symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe shoulder pain that does not improve with medication or rest — seek urgent medical care.
• Inability to move your shoulder at all or sudden loss of strength — contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth around the shoulder, or fever — get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking for frozen shoulder.
• Providing education on condition and self-care exercises.
• Guidance on pain management with over-the-counter medications.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up virtual visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical shoulder examination to assess range of motion and strength.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRI.
• Administering injections or other in-office treatments.
• Diagnosing complications requiring urgent in-person evaluation.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely give you advice on managing frozen shoulder. This may include gentle shoulder exercises to improve movement, pain relief options such as over-the-counter medications, and tips to avoid activities that worsen pain. Your provider may also explain the typical course of frozen shoulder, which often improves over months to years with proper care.

Common Treatments and Self-Care

Treatment often involves physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the shoulder. You may be advised to use heat or cold packs to ease pain and stiffness. In some cases, your provider might suggest medications to reduce inflammation or pain. Consistency with exercises and following care instructions at home are important for recovery.

When to Schedule Follow-Up Care

Your provider may recommend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits to check your progress. These visits help adjust your treatment plan if needed. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, additional evaluation or imaging tests might be necessary to rule out other conditions.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Frozen Shoulder

While telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and guidance, it cannot replace physical examination or imaging tests that may be needed to confirm diagnosis or assess severity. If your provider suspects complications or other shoulder problems, they may advise an in-person visit.

Tips for Managing Frozen Shoulder at Home

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect daily activities.
• Be ready to describe your pain level, movement limitations, and any treatments tried.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed during the visit.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder for demonstration of movement.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and has a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the exercise plan and self-care advice given by your provider.
• Take medications as directed and report any side effects.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Attend scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine fully replace in-person visits for frozen shoulder?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and ongoing guidance but cannot fully replace in-person visits. Physical exams and imaging tests often require in-person care to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment.

What exercises can I do at home to help frozen shoulder?

Your provider may recommend gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises tailored to your condition. These exercises help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness but should be done carefully to avoid pain.

How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Frozen shoulder often develops slowly and can last from several months up to a few years. Most people gradually improve with treatment and self-care, but recovery time varies.

When should I seek urgent medical attention?

Seek urgent care if you experience sudden severe pain, inability to move your shoulder, signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever), or sudden weakness. These symptoms may indicate complications requiring prompt evaluation.

Sources

1. Frozen Shoulder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Frozen Shoulder: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or experience serious symptoms, please seek prompt evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.