How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Shoulder Bursitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa that cushions the shoulder joint. In children, it can cause pain and limit arm movement. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess symptoms and guide care. To get the most from your telemedicine appointment, prepare by gathering information about your child's symptoms, any recent injuries, and previous treatments. During the visit, the provider may ask questions and observe your child's shoulder movement through the camera. While telemedicine can help with education, symptom review, and treatment advice, some situations require in-person care. If your child has severe pain, swelling, fever, or cannot move the shoulder, seek urgent medical attention. This guide helps families prepare for a video visit about shoulder bursitis in children and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or pain relief measures — seek urgent medical care.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder joint, especially if accompanied by fever — possible infection requiring immediate evaluation.
• Inability or refusal to move the shoulder or arm — may indicate serious injury needing prompt assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history related to shoulder pain.
• Observing shoulder movement and function through video.
• Providing education on shoulder bursitis and self-care tips.
• Recommending initial treatments such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Advising when to seek in-person care or emergency services.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Administering injections or other procedures.
• Diagnosing infections or serious injuries that need urgent care.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe symptoms.

What is Shoulder Bursitis in Children?

Shoulder bursitis happens when the bursa, a small sac that helps reduce friction in the shoulder joint, becomes irritated or swollen. In children, this can cause pain, especially when moving the arm. It often results from injury, repetitive use, or infection. Understanding this condition helps you explain your child's symptoms clearly during the video visit.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms, watch how the shoulder moves, and offer advice on managing pain and swelling. They can suggest treatments like rest, ice, or gentle exercises. Telemedicine is a convenient way to get guidance without leaving home, especially when symptoms are mild or just starting.

When In-Person Care is Needed

Some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or inability to move the shoulder. Infections or serious injuries require physical exams, imaging, or treatments that can’t be done over video. If you notice these signs, seek urgent care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the appointment, write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse. Have a list of any medicines or treatments tried. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work. Find a quiet, well-lit space where your child can move their shoulder as the provider asks.

What to Expect During the Visit

The provider will ask questions about your child's pain, activity, and health history. They may ask your child to move their arm in certain ways so they can observe the shoulder. Be ready to show the affected area on camera. The provider will then discuss possible causes and recommend next steps.

After the Video Visit

Follow the provider’s advice on care at home, such as rest, ice, or exercises. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, schedule a follow-up or an in-person visit. Keep notes on any changes to share with your healthcare provider later.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms, including when they started and what affects them.
• Note any recent injuries or activities that may have caused shoulder pain.
• Gather information on any medicines or treatments already tried.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with enough space for your child to move their arm.
• Have a family member or friend available to help if needed during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for home care and medication.
• Use ice packs and encourage rest as advised to reduce inflammation.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or new symptoms develop.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes shoulder bursitis in children?

Shoulder bursitis in children is often caused by injury, repetitive use of the shoulder, or sometimes infection. It results from irritation or inflammation of the bursa, the small fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint.

Can telemedicine diagnose shoulder bursitis?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and guide care based on what they observe and what you report. However, a definitive diagnosis may require an in-person exam or imaging tests that cannot be done over video.

How can I help my child before the video visit?

You can prepare by noting your child's symptoms, any recent injuries, and treatments tried. Make sure your device is ready for the video call and find a quiet space where your child can move their shoulder as needed during the visit.

What should I do if my child’s shoulder pain gets worse after the visit?

If your child's pain worsens, or if they develop swelling, redness, fever, or cannot move the shoulder, seek in-person medical care promptly. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

Is shoulder bursitis serious in children?

Shoulder bursitis is usually not serious and often improves with rest and care. However, if left untreated or if caused by infection or injury, it can lead to complications. That’s why proper evaluation and follow-up are important.

Sources

1. Shoulder Bursitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Shoulder Pain — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This educational content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine guidance can help with education and symptom review but cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or emergency.