Can Telemedicine Treat Shoulder Bursitis?

Audience: adult

Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your shoulder joint. It often causes pain and limits movement. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, get advice on managing pain, and learn exercises to improve shoulder function. Through a video or phone visit, a healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and guide you on treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests needed for a full diagnosis. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you have signs of infection or nerve problems, you should seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine is a useful first step for many people with shoulder bursitis, offering convenient access to guidance and support.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or medication — seek urgent medical care.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling around the shoulder, or fever — get immediate in-person evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — consult a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on pain management and home care.
• Demonstration and instruction of gentle shoulder exercises.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Procedures like injections or surgery.
• Emergency care for severe symptoms or complications.

What Is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis happens when the bursae, which are tiny sacs filled with fluid that reduce friction between shoulder tissues, become inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your shoulder. It often results from repetitive movements, injury, or overuse.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through telemedicine, you can talk to a healthcare provider about your shoulder pain. They can ask detailed questions, watch your shoulder movement via video, and suggest ways to reduce pain and improve mobility. They may recommend rest, ice packs, gentle exercises, or over-the-counter medications. Telemedicine is convenient and can help you start managing symptoms quickly.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Shoulder Bursitis

Telemedicine cannot replace a hands-on physical exam or imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds, which may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other problems. If your symptoms are severe, do not improve, or if there are signs of infection or nerve damage, an in-person visit is necessary.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience intense shoulder pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, numbness, or weakness in your arm, you should see a healthcare provider in person. These signs may indicate infection, nerve involvement, or other serious conditions that need urgent evaluation.

Managing Shoulder Bursitis at Home

You can often ease shoulder bursitis symptoms with rest, avoiding activities that worsen pain, applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as advised. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may also help once pain decreases.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection for your tele-visit.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance during the visit.
• Prepare to describe your shoulder pain clearly: when it started, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms.
• Wear clothing that allows easy movement and visibility of your shoulder during video calls.
• Have a list of current medications and any previous shoulder problems ready to share.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest, ice application, and medication use.
• Perform recommended shoulder exercises as instructed to improve mobility.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if suggested or if symptoms do not improve.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose shoulder bursitis?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it cannot fully diagnose shoulder bursitis without a physical exam or imaging tests that require in-person visits.

What treatments can I get through telemedicine for shoulder bursitis?

You can receive advice on managing pain with rest, ice, over-the-counter medications, and exercises. Your provider can guide you on safe ways to improve shoulder movement remotely.

When should I stop using telemedicine and see a doctor in person?

If your shoulder pain is severe, if you notice redness, swelling, warmth, fever, or if you have numbness or weakness in your arm, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are exercises safe to do at home without a physical therapist?

Gentle exercises recommended by your healthcare provider during a telemedicine visit are usually safe. However, if you experience increased pain or difficulty, stop and consult your provider.

Can telemedicine help with long-term shoulder bursitis management?

Telemedicine can support ongoing management by providing follow-up advice, monitoring progress, and adjusting home care plans, but some cases may require in-person evaluation for advanced treatments.

Sources

1. Bursitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Shoulder Bursitis: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

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