Can Telemedicine Treat Shoulder Pain (Strain/Tendinitis) in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Shoulder pain caused by strain or tendinitis is common in children and teens, often due to overuse or injury. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and basic care for these issues without needing to visit a clinic in person. Through video or phone calls, healthcare providers can ask about symptoms, watch how your child moves their shoulder, and suggest ways to reduce pain. They may recommend rest, gentle exercises, or over-the-counter pain relief. However, telemedicine cannot replace hands-on exams or imaging tests when needed. If your child has severe pain, swelling, or cannot move their shoulder, they should see a healthcare professional in person. Telemedicine is a good first step for mild to moderate shoulder pain, helping families understand care options and when to seek more help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain after an injury — seek emergency care immediately.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm — get prompt in-person evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — urgent medical assessment needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain.
• Guidance on home care, rest, and pain relief.
• Monitoring progress and advising on exercises.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams requiring hands-on tests.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging like X-rays or MRIs.
• Treating severe injuries or fractures.
• Managing signs of infection or nerve damage.

What is Shoulder Strain and Tendinitis in Children?

Shoulder strain happens when muscles or tendons around the shoulder get stretched or torn. Tendinitis means these tendons are inflamed or irritated. Both can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble moving the shoulder. In children, these problems often come from sports, carrying heavy backpacks, or repetitive activities.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine lets you talk with a healthcare provider using video or phone. They can ask about your child's pain, watch their shoulder movement, and give advice on how to manage symptoms at home. This may include tips on rest, ice, gentle stretching, and safe pain medicines. Telemedicine can help decide if your child needs to see a doctor in person.

When is In-Person Care Needed?

If your child has any of these signs, they should see a healthcare provider face-to-face:

These signs may mean a serious injury that needs immediate care.

Tips for Managing Shoulder Pain at Home

You can help your child feel better by:

Always follow the healthcare provider's advice.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, when the pain started, and any recent injuries or activities. Have a quiet space with good lighting and a device with a camera. Be ready to show the child's shoulder movements as the provider asks. Write down any questions you have.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the shoulder pain started and what activities might have caused it.
• Observe and be ready to demonstrate your child's shoulder movement during the visit.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms and any questions.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest and exercises.
• Use recommended pain relief methods safely.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose shoulder injuries in children?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care, but it cannot replace physical exams or imaging tests needed for a full diagnosis.

What treatments might a telemedicine provider suggest for shoulder strain?

They often recommend rest, ice, gentle exercises, and over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has severe pain, swelling, can't move their shoulder, or has numbness or weakness, they should see a healthcare provider promptly.

Is telemedicine safe for children with shoulder pain?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe way to get advice and decide if further care is needed, especially for mild to moderate pain.

Can telemedicine help with follow-up care?

Yes, providers can monitor recovery progress and adjust care plans during follow-up telemedicine visits.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.