Can telemedicine treat Shoulder Pain (Strain/Tendinitis)?

Audience: adult

Shoulder pain caused by strain or tendinitis is common and often results from overuse, injury, or repetitive movements. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step for managing these symptoms by providing education, self-care advice, and guidance on exercises to improve shoulder function. Through virtual visits, healthcare providers can assess your symptoms, help you understand possible causes, and suggest treatments like rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relief. However, telemedicine has limits; it cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests that may be necessary to rule out more serious issues. If your pain worsens, you experience weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your arm, you should seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine is a convenient way to start care but should be combined with follow-up visits if symptoms persist or worsen.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe shoulder pain with inability to move the arm — seek immediate in-person medical care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — urgent evaluation is needed.
• Visible deformity, swelling, or bruising around the shoulder — prompt physical examination required.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain symptoms.
• Providing education on self-care, pain relief, and exercises.
• Monitoring symptom progress and advising on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Diagnosing or treating severe injuries or complications requiring urgent care.

What is Shoulder Strain and Tendinitis?

Shoulder strain happens when muscles or tendons around the shoulder are stretched or torn, often from lifting or repetitive use. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, causing pain and stiffness. Both conditions can limit movement and cause discomfort, especially with certain activities.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask detailed questions about your pain, how it started, and what makes it better or worse. They can guide you through self-exams and observe your shoulder movement via video. Providers often suggest home treatments such as rest, applying ice, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. They may also recommend exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.

When Telemedicine Is Not Enough

Some shoulder problems need in-person evaluation. If you have severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, telemedicine alone is not enough. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and physical exams are often needed to diagnose serious injuries or conditions. In these cases, your provider will advise you to seek urgent or specialized care.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your virtual visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a family member or friend nearby if possible. Wear clothing that allows easy shoulder movement and have any previous medical records or imaging results ready to share. Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly and demonstrate your shoulder movements on camera.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan your provider gives you, including rest, exercises, and medications. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes. If your pain worsens or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended to track your progress and adjust treatment if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for your visit.
• Wear loose clothing that allows easy shoulder movement.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you need assistance.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and what worsens or improves them.
• Gather any prior medical records or imaging results related to your shoulder.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone are working properly before the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's recommendations for rest, ice, and pain relief.
• Perform prescribed exercises gently and regularly as advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended for ongoing care.
• Seek in-person care promptly if advised by your provider or if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the exact cause of my shoulder pain?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging tests that may be needed for a precise diagnosis.

What treatments can I get through telemedicine for shoulder strain or tendinitis?

Your provider can recommend self-care measures such as rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and exercises to improve shoulder strength and flexibility.

When should I see a doctor in person for my shoulder pain?

If you experience severe pain, inability to move your arm, numbness, weakness, or visible deformity, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can telemedicine help if my shoulder pain is due to a more serious injury?

Telemedicine can guide you on whether you need urgent in-person evaluation, but it cannot replace hands-on exams or imaging needed to diagnose serious injuries.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit about shoulder pain?

Find a quiet space with good lighting and internet connection, wear clothing that allows shoulder movement, be ready to describe your symptoms, and have any medical records handy.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tendinitis and Bursitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Pain and Problems — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

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