What happens after a telemedicine visit for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Audience: pediatric

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, making it hard to move. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually explain what to expect next and how to care for the shoulder at home. Treatment often includes gentle exercises to help improve movement and reduce pain. Sometimes, your provider may suggest physical therapy or medications to ease discomfort. It's important to watch for any new or worsening symptoms and follow the advice given during your visit. Remember, telemedicine helps guide care and answer questions but may not replace all in-person exams or treatments. If symptoms get worse or do not improve, your provider may recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation. This guide helps you understand what to do after your telemedicine appointment for frozen shoulder in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with prescribed treatment — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder joint — may indicate infection, get immediate care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — requires prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of symptoms and history related to frozen shoulder.
• Providing education about the condition and home care instructions.
• Guiding gentle exercise routines and pain management strategies.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up virtual visits.

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 other in-person treatments.
• Managing severe complications or emergencies.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is when the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move. It happens because the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens. This can make everyday activities like reaching or lifting difficult, especially for children who may find it hard to play or use their arm normally.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely give you instructions on how to care for the shoulder at home. This may include gentle stretching exercises to improve movement and advice on pain relief. Your provider might also discuss when to schedule follow-up visits or physical therapy. If needed, they may recommend medications to help with pain and inflammation.

How to Care for Frozen Shoulder at Home

Home care often involves:

Consistent care can help improve shoulder movement over time.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Sometimes frozen shoulder needs more than telemedicine support. You should seek in-person care if:

Your provider may arrange for physical exams, imaging tests, or other treatments during an in-person visit.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team may include doctors, physical therapists, and nurses. They will help guide your recovery and adjust treatments as needed. Follow their advice carefully and keep all scheduled appointments, whether virtual or in-person, to get the best care for your child’s frozen shoulder.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and how they affect daily activities.
• Gather any previous medical records or imaging related to the shoulder if available.
• Have a family member or caregiver present to assist with the visit if needed.
• Be ready to show the child's shoulder movements on camera as instructed by the provider.
• Prepare questions you want to ask about frozen shoulder and its care.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the exercise and care instructions given by your provider.
• Use recommended pain relief methods as advised.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider promptly if red flag symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of your child's progress to discuss at follow-ups.

FAQs

Can frozen shoulder happen in children?

Yes, although frozen shoulder is more common in adults, children can also develop it, especially after injury or prolonged immobility. Early care helps improve recovery.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Frozen shoulder often improves gradually over months to a year. With proper care and exercises, many children regain good shoulder movement.

Are exercises safe to do at home?

Yes, gentle exercises recommended by your healthcare provider are usually safe and help improve shoulder flexibility. Avoid any movements that cause sharp pain and report concerns to your provider.

When should I worry about my child's shoulder pain?

If your child has severe pain that does not improve, swelling, redness, numbness, or weakness, seek medical care promptly as these may be signs of complications.

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 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Adhesive Capsulitis: Clinical Review — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek direct evaluation from a healthcare professional.