Red flags & when to go in person for Shoulder Bursitis

Audience: adult

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition where the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in your shoulder become inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your shoulder. Many people can manage shoulder bursitis with rest, gentle exercises, and over-the-counter pain relief. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, get advice on managing pain, and decide if you need further care. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include severe pain, sudden loss of shoulder movement, signs of infection like fever or redness, or if your symptoms get worse despite treatment. Early care can help prevent complications and improve recovery. This guide explains when telemedicine is helpful and when in-person care is necessary, so you can make safe choices about your shoulder health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers — seek in-person care promptly.
• Sudden loss of ability to move your shoulder or arm — go to a healthcare provider immediately.
• Signs of infection such as fever, redness, warmth, or swelling around the shoulder — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and guidance
• Advice on pain relief and gentle exercises
• Monitoring symptom changes over time
• Determining if in-person care is needed

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI
• Administering injections or physical therapy
• Emergency care for severe symptoms or injury

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis happens when the bursae, small sacs that cushion your shoulder joints, become irritated or swollen. This often causes pain on the outside of your shoulder, especially when lifting your arm or moving it overhead. It can result from overuse, injury, or sometimes without a clear cause. The pain may come on gradually and can limit your daily activities.

Common Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

If you notice these symptoms, telemedicine can help you understand your condition and suggest ways to ease discomfort.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms require prompt in-person evaluation:

If you experience any of these, visit a healthcare provider promptly to avoid complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can:

Telemedicine is a convenient way to get initial advice and support without leaving home.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Shoulder Bursitis

Telemedicine cannot replace physical examinations or imaging tests that may be needed to confirm diagnosis or rule out other conditions. It also cannot provide treatments like injections or physical therapy that require hands-on care. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, an in-person visit is important.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• List any recent injuries or activities that may have caused shoulder pain.
• Have a list of your current medications and any allergies ready.
• Prepare to describe your pain level and any limitations in movement.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet place for the tele-visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest, pain relief, and exercises.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if red flag symptoms appear.
• Keep track of your progress and communicate with your provider as needed.
• Avoid activities that worsen your shoulder pain until cleared by a provider.

FAQs

Can shoulder bursitis heal on its own?

Yes, shoulder bursitis often improves with rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, and simple treatments like ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What exercises can help shoulder bursitis?

Gentle range-of-motion and stretching exercises may help reduce stiffness and improve shoulder function. Your healthcare provider can guide you on safe exercises during a telemedicine visit.

When should I stop using telemedicine for my shoulder pain?

If your pain worsens, you develop new symptoms like numbness or fever, or you cannot move your shoulder, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine is best for initial advice and follow-up, not emergencies.

Can infections cause shoulder bursitis?

Yes, infections can cause bursitis, which is serious and requires urgent medical treatment. Signs include fever, redness, warmth, and swelling around the shoulder. If you notice these, seek in-person care immediately.

Is imaging always needed for shoulder bursitis?

Not always. Imaging like X-rays or MRI may be needed if your symptoms are severe, do not improve, or if your provider suspects other problems. This usually requires an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Bursitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Shoulder Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Bursitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Shoulder Pain and Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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