What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Shoulder Bursitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for shoulder bursitis in children, families can expect clear guidance on managing the condition at home. Shoulder bursitis causes pain and swelling in the shoulder joint, often from overuse or injury. During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and may suggest simple tests to understand the problem better. Treatment often includes rest, gentle exercises, and medicines to reduce pain and swelling. The provider will explain how to care for the shoulder and when to seek more help. Follow-up visits may be recommended to check progress. It is important to watch for warning signs like severe pain, fever, or difficulty moving the arm, which need urgent care. Telemedicine can help guide families through managing shoulder bursitis but cannot replace in-person exams or imaging when needed. Always follow the provider's advice and reach out if symptoms worsen or new problems appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that gets worse or does not improve with treatment — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever with shoulder pain or redness and warmth around the shoulder — possible infection, get immediate help.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm normally — urgent evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms through history and guided movement tests.
• Providing education on shoulder bursitis and home care instructions.
• Recommending over-the-counter pain relief and rest strategies.
• Monitoring progress through follow-up telemedicine visits.
• Deciding when in-person care or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring touch or special maneuvers.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Administering injections or other procedures.
• Diagnosing complex or severe cases without in-person evaluation.
• Managing emergencies or severe infections.

Understanding Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis happens when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the shoulder joint become inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and trouble moving the shoulder. In children, it often results from injury or repetitive movements during play or sports.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as pain level, when it started, and what activities make it worse. They may guide you through simple shoulder movements to assess pain and mobility. No physical exam or imaging can be done directly, but the provider can decide if an in-person visit or tests are needed.

Common Treatment Recommendations

Treatment usually includes resting the shoulder, avoiding activities that cause pain, and using cold packs to reduce swelling. The provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers suitable for children. Gentle stretching or physical therapy exercises might be recommended to help recovery.

Follow-up and Monitoring

Your provider may schedule follow-up telemedicine visits to check how your child is healing. If symptoms improve, treatment can continue at home. If pain worsens or new symptoms develop, an in-person evaluation might be necessary.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Certain symptoms need urgent medical attention. These include severe shoulder pain that does not improve, fever, redness or warmth around the shoulder, inability to move the arm, or signs of infection. If these occur, seek emergency care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Prepare to show the child's shoulder and guide them through simple movements as instructed.
• Have a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the visit with good internet connection.
• Have a notepad or device ready to write down instructions and questions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on rest and activity modification.
• Use cold packs as recommended to reduce swelling.
• Administer pain relief medicines as directed, using child-appropriate doses.
• Perform any suggested gentle exercises or stretches carefully.
• Watch for red flag symptoms and seek care if they appear.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can shoulder bursitis in children heal on its own?

Yes, shoulder bursitis often improves with rest and proper care. However, following your healthcare provider's advice helps ensure faster and safer recovery.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine without seeing a doctor in person?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often safe when used as directed. Your telemedicine provider will guide you on the right type and dose for your child.

When should I ask for an in-person visit after a telemedicine appointment?

If your child's pain worsens, they develop fever, redness, swelling, or cannot move their shoulder, or if the provider recommends imaging or physical exams, an in-person visit is important.

Can physical therapy be done through telemedicine?

Some physical therapy exercises can be taught and supervised via telemedicine. Your provider may refer you to a therapist who offers virtual sessions or advise on safe exercises to do at home.

Is shoulder bursitis contagious?

No, shoulder bursitis is not contagious. It is caused by inflammation usually from injury or overuse, not infection.

Sources

1. Shoulder Bursitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Bursitis and Tendinitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you have concerns, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional.