Can Telemedicine Treat Shoulder Bursitis in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac near the shoulder joint that helps reduce friction during movement. In children, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the shoulder. Telemedicine can often help manage shoulder bursitis by allowing healthcare providers to assess symptoms, guide home treatments, and suggest exercises to reduce pain and swelling. However, some cases may require in-person visits for physical exams or imaging tests. Early treatment usually includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, which can be discussed during a telemedicine visit. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, further evaluation may be needed. Telemedicine offers a convenient way for families to get advice and support but is not a replacement for emergency care or hands-on medical evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that worsens quickly — seek immediate medical care.
• High fever with shoulder pain — urgent evaluation needed to rule out infection.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm — requires prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on home care, rest, and pain relief.
• Demonstration of gentle shoulder exercises.
• Monitoring symptom progress over time.
• Deciding if further in-person care or tests are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound.
• Treatment of severe infections or complications.
• Emergency management of severe pain or loss of movement.

What Is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis happens when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac near the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain and swelling and make it hard to move the shoulder. In children, it can result from injury, overuse, or infection. Understanding this helps families know why symptoms occur and how to manage them.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video or phone call, a healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, watch how your child moves their shoulder, and suggest ways to ease pain. They can recommend rest, ice packs, and safe exercises. Telemedicine can also help decide if your child needs medicines or if an in-person visit is necessary. This approach saves time and keeps your child comfortable at home.

When You Need In-Person Care

Some situations need a doctor to examine your child in person. This includes severe pain, swelling that spreads, fever, or if your child cannot move their shoulder at all. The doctor may order tests like X-rays or ultrasound to check for other problems. In-person visits are important for accurate diagnosis and treatment when symptoms are serious or do not improve.

Home Care Tips for Shoulder Bursitis

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Preventing Shoulder Bursitis in Children

To help prevent shoulder bursitis, encourage your child to warm up before sports or physical activities. Teach proper techniques and avoid repetitive overhead motions when possible. Maintaining good posture and strengthening shoulder muscles can also reduce the risk of bursitis.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the tele-visit.
• Have a family member help position the camera to show the child's shoulder.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Have information about any medications or treatments already tried.
• Be ready to describe your child's daily activities and any recent injuries.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on rest, ice, and medications.
• Perform recommended gentle exercises as demonstrated.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose shoulder bursitis in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and suggest if shoulder bursitis is likely. However, a full diagnosis may require an in-person exam or imaging tests if symptoms are unclear or severe.

What treatments can be recommended through telemedicine?

Providers can recommend rest, ice application, over-the-counter pain relievers, and gentle exercises to reduce inflammation and improve movement during a telemedicine visit.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has severe pain, fever, spreading swelling, or cannot move their shoulder, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if symptoms do not improve with home care, an in-person visit may be needed.

Is shoulder bursitis serious in children?

Most cases of shoulder bursitis in children improve with proper care and rest. However, untreated inflammation or infection can lead to complications, so timely evaluation and treatment are important.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.