How to prepare for a video visit about Shoulder Bursitis

Audience: adult

Shoulder bursitis is a condition where the small sacs of fluid that cushion your shoulder joints become inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your shoulder. If you have symptoms like shoulder pain or stiffness, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your condition and discuss treatment options. Preparing well for your telemedicine appointment can make the visit more effective. This includes gathering your medical history, noting your symptoms, and having a way to show your shoulder during the video call. While telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide you on care, some situations may require an in-person exam or imaging tests. This guide will help you get ready for your video visit, know when to seek urgent care, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for shoulder bursitis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or medication — seek urgent medical care.
• Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder accompanied by fever — possible infection requiring immediate evaluation.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm after injury — requires prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of shoulder pain and symptoms.
• Guidance on self-care, medication use, and physical therapy exercises.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests that require hands-on examination.
• Taking imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Providing emergency care for severe injuries or infections.

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis happens when the bursae — small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your shoulder joints — become inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and limit how well you can move your shoulder. It often results from repetitive movements, injury, or aging. Common signs include pain when lifting your arm, tenderness around the shoulder, and stiffness.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To make the most of your telemedicine appointment, prepare the following:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During your video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may guide you through simple shoulder movements to observe pain or limited motion. Based on this, they might suggest treatments like rest, ice, medications, or physical therapy. If needed, they may recommend an in-person exam or imaging tests such as X-rays or an ultrasound.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean you should get urgent in-person care:

If you notice these, seek emergency or urgent medical care promptly.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider suggests. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your shoulder symptoms, including when they started and what affects them.
• List any previous shoulder injuries or treatments.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit place with good internet for the video call.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder for showing movement.
• Have a device with a camera ready and ensure it is charged.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan given by your healthcare provider.
• Use ice and rest your shoulder as recommended.
• Take medications as prescribed or advised.
• Perform any recommended exercises or physical therapy.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if suggested.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is often caused by repetitive shoulder movements, injury, or aging. It results from inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your shoulder joints.

Can shoulder bursitis heal on its own?

Mild cases of shoulder bursitis may improve with rest, ice, and avoiding activities that cause pain. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

What treatments are commonly recommended?

Treatments often include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy exercises to improve shoulder strength and flexibility. In some cases, your provider may suggest other interventions.

How can I show my shoulder during a video visit?

Wear clothing that allows your shoulder to be visible, such as a sleeveless or short-sleeved top. Position your camera so your provider can see your shoulder clearly. You may be asked to perform simple movements to help assess your condition.

When should I go to the emergency room for shoulder pain?

Seek emergency care if you have severe shoulder pain that does not improve, sudden swelling with redness and fever, inability to move your shoulder or arm, or if you have had a serious injury causing deformity.

Sources

1. Bursitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Shoulder Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Bursitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Musculoskeletal Conditions — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.