How to prepare for a video visit about Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (Mild)

Audience: adult

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain that often results from overuse or mild injury to the tendons around the shoulder joint. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss treatment options. To make the most of your telemedicine appointment, it is important to prepare by noting your symptoms, any activities that worsen your pain, and your medical history. During the visit, your provider may ask you to perform simple shoulder movements on camera to assess your range of motion and pain. Mild rotator cuff tendinopathy often improves with rest, gentle exercises, and avoiding activities that cause pain. However, if you experience severe pain, weakness, or sudden loss of movement, you should seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine can provide education, guidance, and follow-up but cannot replace hands-on examination or imaging tests when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to lift or move your arm — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or pain relievers.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever around the shoulder.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to mild rotator cuff tendinopathy.
• Guiding you through simple shoulder movements to assess pain and motion.
• Providing education on self-care, exercises, and pain management.
• Deciding if you need in-person evaluation or imaging tests.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination that requires hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs directly.
• Treating severe injuries, infections, or complications requiring urgent care.
• Administering injections or physical therapies that need in-person visits.

What is Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy?

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is irritation or mild damage to the tendons that connect shoulder muscles to the bone. It often causes shoulder pain, especially when lifting or reaching overhead. This condition usually develops gradually due to repetitive movements or strain.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as when the pain started and what makes it better or worse. They may ask you to show your shoulder movements on camera to check your range of motion and identify painful positions. The provider will discuss possible treatments and ways to manage your symptoms at home.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Appointment

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Common Treatments for Mild Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Treatment often includes rest from painful activities, applying ice, and gentle shoulder exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Your provider may suggest physical therapy or other treatments if symptoms persist.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe shoulder pain, sudden weakness, inability to move your arm, or signs of infection like redness and fever, seek immediate in-person medical care. These symptoms may require urgent evaluation and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your shoulder symptoms and when they started.
• Note activities that worsen or relieve your pain.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with room to move your arm.
• Have a device with a camera and reliable internet connection ready.
• Gather a list of current medications and past shoulder issues.
• Consider having someone assist you during the call if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and exercises recommended by your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new concerns.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Use pain relief methods such as ice or over-the-counter medications as directed.

FAQs

Can I get a diagnosis for rotator cuff tendinopathy through a video visit?

A video visit allows your provider to assess your symptoms and guide your care, but a definitive diagnosis may require physical examination or imaging tests done in person.

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

Your provider may recommend gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises tailored to your condition. Avoid any movements that cause sharp pain and follow instructions carefully.

When should I stop doing activities that cause shoulder pain?

If an activity increases your pain, it is best to stop or modify it until your shoulder improves. Your provider can help you identify safe activities during your visit.

Are pain relievers safe to use for rotator cuff tendinopathy?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often safe when used as directed. Discuss any concerns or other health conditions with your provider.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for shoulder problems?

Telemedicine is useful for initial advice and follow-up but cannot replace in-person exams or treatments when hands-on care or imaging is needed.

Sources

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Shoulder Pain - Rotator Cuff Tendinitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis and Bursitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for education only and is not a substitute for in-person evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical care.